FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system for determining a microorganism-related parameter. The invention further relates to a method for determining a microorganism-related parameter. The invention further relates to a treatment method. The invention further relates to a computer program product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Systems and methods for detecting microorganisms may be known in the art. For instance, US2020309702A1 describes systems and methods for bacterial load sensing devices. An example contamination sensing device may comprise a body, a light emitter disposed on the body and configured to emit an excitation wavelength of light toward a surface, a sensor disposed on the body, configured to detect light, and directed toward the surface, and a filter adjuster configured to determine, based on the excitation wavelength of light, a filter configured to remove light outside of an emission wavelength range, wherein the emission wavelength range corresponds to wavelengths of light emitted by contamination upon exposure to the excitation wavelength of light, and adjustably move the filter in front of the sensor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The recent and pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 (a human-to-human transmitted Corona virus) is a warning that more powerful methods and systems to fight and monitor infectious diseases may be needed.

The transmission of many infectious diseases, including COVID-19, can occur via contaminated persons, that spread infectious material via indirect transmission on surfaces or via airborne particles that carry the infectious material and may be inhaled by susceptible people.

Detection of infectious material, such as viral, fungal or bacterial material, may facilitate on one hand understanding how the infectious material is transferred and on the other hand better controlling the spread of it. Further, such detection may facilitate testing the efficiency of (other) disinfection activities.

However, detection of infectious material, such as viruses, may, due to the small sizes, be challenging. For instance, direct visualization of viruses / bacteria / fungi in air or on surfaces may be quasi impossible; it may require TEM imaging (as e.g. a virus may, for example, be approximately 120 nm in size), or indirect methods based on growing cultures of the virus (looking for plaque formation on culturing media based on multiplication, which takes days to do) or performing PCR testing.

Current fast testing procedures, such as for the COVID-19 virus, may still take around 30 minutes and may require quite complex sampling methods for the case of airborne transmission. In practice, the tracing of infected people therefore typically relies on temperature measurement, which measures a surrogate and not fully reliable symptom: fever.

Further, disinfection of objects and spaces may rely on an estimated need for a disinfectant, such as an estimated need of UV light, chemical disinfectant, or ionization. However, this may both result in insufficient disinfection when the estimate is too low, which may provide for hazardous conditions, and for a waste of resources and/or damage to the environment if the estimate is too high.

Hence, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an alternative system and an alternative method, which preferably further at least partly obviate one or more of above- described drawbacks. The present invention may have as object to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

The present invention is defined by the independent claims and corresponding dependent claims.

Hence, in a first aspect, the invention may provide a system for determining a microorganism-related parameter of an air sample. The system may comprise one or more of a radiation source, a radiation sensor system, a control system, and one or more enclosure walls. In embodiments, the system, especially the one or more enclosure walls, may be configured to define at least part of an enclosure, especially to provide an enclosure. Especially, the system may comprise an enclosure. The enclosure comprises the air sample.

In embodiments, the radiation source may be configured to provide first radiation, especially first radiation having a disinfection functionality, to the enclosure. In further embodiments, the first radiation may comprise a first wavelength selected from the range of 80 - 400 nm, especially the range of 100 - 280 nm i.e., the first radiation may comprise a first wavelength selected from a first wavelength range, wherein the first wavelength range is the range of 80 - 400 nm, especially the range of 100 - 280 nm. In embodiments, the radiation sensor system may be configured to detect second radiation having a second wavelength in the range of 550-680 nm, especially the range of 580-650 nm, i.e., the radiation sensor system may be configured to detect second radiation having a second wavelength in a second wavelength range, wherein the second wavelength range is the range of 550-680 nm, especially the range of 580-650 nm. In embodiments, the system, especially the control system, may have an operational mode. The operational mode may comprise one or more of an irradiation stage, a detection stage, and a determination stage. The irradiation stage may especially comprise the radiation source providing the first radiation, especially providing the first radiation to the enclosure. In particular, microorganisms present in the enclosure may absorb at least part of the first radiation and (successively) emit second radiation. The detection stage may especially comprise the radiation sensor system detecting at the second wavelength (in the enclosure) and providing a related sensor signal to the control system. The determination stage may especially comprise the control system determining the microorganism-related parameter based on the sensor signal. Especially, the radiation sensor system may be configured to detect the second radiation in or originating from the enclosure (with the second radiation especially having a second wavelength in the range of 550-680 nm).

The first wavelength may be selected such that the first radiation is lethal for the microorganisms, especially the first wavelength and a first irradiance of the first radiation may be selected such that the first radiation is lethal for the microorganisms. The first wavelength may be selected such that the microorganisms emit the second radiation following contact with the first radiation.

The microorganisms may comprise viruses and the microorganism-related parameter may be a virus-related parameter.

In particular, the present invention may take advantage of a measurable output when microorganisms are exposed to (germicidal) UV radiation. In particular, the absorption of UV energy by a microorganism may result in the formation of new bonds between adjacent nucleotides, creating double bonds or dimers. Dimerization of adjacent nucleotides in DNA or RNA, particularly involving thymine, may be the most common photochemical damage as initiated by the germicidal effect of far UVC (e.g. 254 nm) and may lead to death/inactivation of microorganisms. Formation of dimers in the RNA / DNA of bacteria and viruses may prevent replication and may result in an inability to infect. As an effect of the dimerization, radiation may be emitted, e.g., with a peak at about 600nm. This radiation can be detected, which makes it possible to detect the disinfection reaction and the destroyed microorganism. Hence, by providing UV radiation to microorganisms, the microorganisms may be killed/inactivated, which provides a measurable output, which may be indicative of the presence of the microorganisms as such, of a concentration or a number of present microorganisms in a space or on a surface, as well as of their inactivation. Thereby, the system of the invention may facilitate both the eliminating and the monitoring of (infectious) microorganisms.

Hence, in embodiments, the second wavelength range may be in the range of 590-610 nm range, more preferably in the range of 595-605 nm, so as to detect said peak at about 600 nm.

The system of the invention may, for instance, be employed to quickly determine whether an individual may be infectious, especially by analyzing his/her exhaled breath, to monitor the presence of microorganisms in a space, such as in a ventilation system, and to ascertain that an object/space is sufficiently disinfected. For example, the system according to the invention may, in some aspects, be phrased as a breath analyzer apparatus throughout. The second radiation may be conveyed from the air sample, in which the microorganisms emit the second radiation following contact with the first radiation.

In aspects of the invention, the enclosure may comprise a filter or a membrane, wherein the filter or the membrane comprises the air sample. For example, the filter or the membrane may hold or confine the air sample. Yet in further aspects, the enclosure may comprise an entry for receiving said filter or membrane. Hence, the filter and membrane may be replaceable or reusable.

In specific embodiments, the invention may provide a system for determining a microorganism-related parameter, wherein the system comprises a radiation source, a radiation sensor system, a control system, and one or more enclosure walls, wherein the one or more enclosure walls define at least part of an enclosure, wherein the radiation source is configured to provide first radiation to the enclosure, wherein the first radiation comprises a first wavelength selected from the range of 100 - 280 nm, wherein the radiation sensor system is configured to detect second radiation having a second wavelength in the range of 550-680 nm, and wherein the system has an operational mode comprising: the radiation source providing the first radiation; the radiation sensor system detecting at the second wavelength and providing a related sensor signal to the control system; the control system determining the microorganism-related parameter based on the sensor signal.

Hence, the invention may provide a system for determining a microorganism- related parameter. The term “microorganism-related parameter” may herein refer to a parameter related to a microorganism. In particular, in embodiments, the microorganism- related parameter may relate to a number (or “amount”) of microorganisms, i.e., the microorganism-related parameter may be indicative of the number of microorganisms. In further embodiments, the microorganism-related parameter may relate to one or more of a type of microorganisms and a decay of microorganisms. In further embodiments, the microorganism-related parameter may relate to a location of the microorganisms, such as with regards to surface contamination, or with regards to a plurality of meeting airflows.

The term “microorganisms” may herein refer to one or more of bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses, including both DNA and RNA viruses, especially to one or more of bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses. Hence, in embodiments, the microorganism-related parameter may be related to microorganisms selected from the group comprising viruses, bacteria, archaea, algae, protozoa, and fungi, especially to microorganisms selected from the group comprising viruses, bacteria, archaea, and fungi.

In embodiments, the system may comprise one or more enclosure walls. In further embodiments, the system, especially the one with the one or more enclosure walls, may (be configured to) define at least part of an enclosure. The term “enclosure” may herein especially refer to a space that is (at least partially) enclosed. Hence, also the term “enclosure space” may be used herein. In particular, the enclosure may be (essentially) shielded from external radiation, especially from external radiation in the second wavelength range (see below). Hence, the enclosure may especially be an optical enclosure. In embodiments, the system may comprise one or more wall elements configured to define at least part of an enclosure, such as to at least partially enclose a space. For instance, the system may comprise one or more wall elements configured to be arranged against a surface, wherein the one or more wall elements define an enclosure together with the surface. In further embodiments, the one or more wall elements may define an enclosure (without a further surface). In particular, in embodiments, the system may comprise the enclosure.

In further embodiments, the enclosure may be a closed space, especially a space (essentially) fluidically separated from its surroundings, i.e., without an exchange of air and/or liquid with its surroundings. Such embodiments may, for instance, be desirable for the disinfection of an (infected) object.

In further embodiments, the enclosure may have one or more openings, especially at least two openings, such that a fluid, especially a gas, may pass through the enclosure. Such embodiments may, for instance, be desirable for a breath analysis device and/or for a ventilation system. In further embodiments, the enclosure may be a channel, such as a channel with a tube-shape, such as a tunnel. Hence, in embodiments, the one or more wall elements may define a channel, especially a channel with openings at opposite ends.

In embodiments, the system may comprise a radiation source. The radiation source may be configured to provide first radiation, especially to provide first radiation to the enclosure. The first radiation may especially have a disinfection functionality, i.e., the first radiation may have a first wavelength suitable to disinfect a space/object/surface from microorganisms. The method may, in embodiments, however, not necessarily be a disinfection method, but may also be a detecting or monitoring method. For instance, the presence of microorganisms (above a predefined threshold) may be detected using the method of the invention, and a separate disinfection method may be applied for disinfection.

In further embodiments, the method may be a disinfection method. In particular, the first radiation may be lethal to the microorganisms.

In further embodiments, the first radiation wherein the first radiation may comprise a first wavelength. The first wavelength may especially be selected from a first wavelength range, especially wherein the first wavelength range is the range of 100- 490 nm, especially the range of 100 - 420 nm, such as the range of 100 - 380 nm, especially the range of 100 - 280 nm. In further embodiments, the first wavelength may especially be at least 190 nm. In further specific embodiments, the first wavelength range may especially be the range of 190 - 280 nm. The first wavelength may especially be selected such that, when the microorganisms are exposed to the first radiation, the DNA and/or RNA of the microorganisms undergoes dimerization. The dimerization may occur due to the DNA and/or RNA directly absorbing the first radiation, but the dimerization may also occur due to the first radiation resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which subsequently interact with the DNA and/or RNA, resulting in dimerization of the DNA and/or RNA.

In further embodiments, at least 50%, such as at least 70%, especially at least 90%, including (essentially) 100%, of the spectral power of the first radiation may be in the first wavelength range.

The first radiation may especially comprise ultraviolet (UV) radiation, i.e., the first radiation may comprise a first wavelength selected from the ultraviolet wavelength range. The ultraviolet wavelength range is defined as light in a wavelength range from 100 to 380 nm and can be divided into different types of UV light / UV wavelength ranges (Table 1). Different UV wavelengths of radiation may have different properties and thus may have different compatibility with human presence and may have different effects when used for disinfection (Table 1).

Table 1: Properties of different types of UV wavelength light Each UV type / wavelength range may have different benefits and/or drawbacks. Relevant aspects may be (relative) sterilization effectiveness, safety (regarding radiation), vitamin D production (in a skin of a human being or animal), and ozone production (as result of its radiation). Depending on an application a specific type of UV light or a specific combination of UV light types may be selected and provides superior performance over other types of UV light. UV-A may be (relatively) safe and may inactivate, especially kill, bacteria, but may be less effective in inactivating (especially killing) viruses. UV-B may be (relatively) safe when a low dose (i.e. low exposure time and/or low intensity) is used, may kill bacteria, and may be moderately effective in killing viruses. UV-B may also have the additional benefit that it can be used effectively in the production of vitamin D in a skin of a person or animal. Near UV-C may be relatively unsafe, but may effectively kill bacteria and viruses. Far UV may also be effective in killing bacteria and viruses, but may be (relatively to other UV-C wavelength ranges) (rather) safe. Far-UV light may generate some ozone which may be harmful for human beings and animals. Extreme UV-C may also be effective in killing bacteria and viruses, but may be relatively unsafe. Extreme UV-C may generate ozone which may be undesired when exposed to human beings or animals. In some application ozone may be desired and may contribute to disinfection, but then its shielding from humans and animals may be desired. Hence, in the table “+” for ozone production especially implies that ozone is produced which may be useful for disinfection applications, but may be harmful for humans / animals when they are exposed to it. Hence, in many applications this “+” may actually be undesired while in others, it may be desired.

The terms “inactivating” and “killing” with respect to a virus may herein especially refer to damaging the virus in such a way that the virus can no longer infect and/or reproduce in a host cell, i.e., the virus may be (essentially) harmless after inactivation or killing.

Hence, the first wavelength may be selected in view of a target application and/or a target microorganism. For instance, if the system is employed to detect a virus, it may be desirable to select a first wavelength in the range of 100 - 280 nm. However, if the system is employed to specifically detect a (pathogenic) bacterium, it may be desirable to select a first wavelength in the range of 280 - 420 nm.

In embodiments, the operational mode may further comprise determining whether a disinfection activity is needed based on the microorganism-related parameter, and, executing a disinfection stage if disinfection activity is deemed required. In particular, the operational mode may comprise executing a disinfection stage if the microorganism-related parameter has a predetermined value (such as “present”), especially if the microorganism- related parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold, such as a number of microorganisms exceeding a predetermined threshold.

In embodiments, the system may comprise a disinfection device, such as disinfection radiation source or a disinfection ionizer. The disinfection stage may comprise the disinfection device providing a disinfectant to inactivate, especially kill, the microorganisms. Especially, the disinfection stage may comprise providing a disinfectant to the enclosure or the space (see below), especially to the enclosure, such as to parts of the enclosure (see below), or especially to the space. In further embodiments, the disinfection device may comprise a disinfection radiation source configured to providing disinfection radiation. The disinfection radiation may especially comprise a disinfection wavelength in the range of 80 - 490 nm, especially the range of 100 - 420 nm, such as the range of 100 - 380 nm, especially the range of 100 - 280 nm. In further embodiments, the disinfection wavelength may especially be selected from the range of 190 - 280 nm. Hence, the disinfection wavelength and the first wavelength may especially be selected from the same wavelength range. In embodiments, the disinfection wavelength and the first wavelength may be the same. In further embodiments, the disinfection radiation and the first radiation may differ in irradiance, especially wherein the irradiance of the disinfection radiation is at least 5 times the irradiance of the first radiation, such as at least 10 times, especially at least 50 times.

In further embodiments, the disinfection wavelength and the first wavelength may differ. For instance, the system may be configured to use different wavelengths for detection and disinfection in view of safety, and in view of required irradiance.

Especially, in embodiments the disinfection wavelength and the first wavelength are (essentially) the same.

In embodiments, the first wavelength may be selected from one or more of the V range (violet range), the UV-A range, the UV-B range, the Near UV-C range, the Far UV range, and the Extreme UV-C. In further embodiments, the first wavelength may be selected from the UV-A range. In further embodiments, the first wavelength may be selected from the UV-B range. In further embodiments, the first wavelength may be selected from the Near UV-C range. In further embodiments, the first wavelength may be selected from the Far UV range. In further embodiments, the first wavelength may be selected from the Extreme UV-C range.

In specific embodiments, the first wavelength may comprise a wavelength selected from the group comprising 222 nm, 254 nm, and 275 nm. These wavelengths may be particularly suitable for causing dimerization of the DNA and/or RNA of microorganisms.

In embodiments, the system may further comprise a radiation sensor system the radiation sensor system may be configured to detect second radiation. The second radiation may have a second wavelength, especially in a second wavelength range. The second wavelength may especially be the range of 550-680 nm, such as the range of 580-650 nm. In particular, the second radiation may be emitted by microorganisms following dimerization of their DNA and/or RNA. The second wavelength may thus depend on the type of dimer formed, such as depending on the involved nucleotides, especially depending on the involved nucleobases. In general, the nucleobases thymine, cytosine and uracil may most commonly be dimerized following UV exposure. Hence, the radiation sensor system may especially be configured to detect second radiation (having a second wavelength) in a second wavelength range. In particular, the range of 580-650 nm may be particularly suitable for the detection of the second radiation.

The second wavelength of the second radiation, especially the distribution of second wavelengths of the second radiation, may vary between different microorganisms. For instance, RNA viruses may be devoid of DNA, and may therefore be devoid of the nucleobase thymine. Similarly, most DNA viruses may be devoid of RNA, and may therefore be devoid of the nucleobase uracil. However, other microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea and fungi, generally have both DNA and RNA, and will thus comprise both thymine and uracil. Hence, the second wavelength, especially the distribution of second wavelengths, may thus be indicative of the type of microorganisms, such as a ratio between second wavelengths corresponding to DNA and second wavelengths corresponding to RNA being indicative of the type of microorganisms. Further, the prevalence of different nucleobases may also vary between, for instance, two DNA viruses, or between two bacteria. Hence, the second wavelength, especially the distribution of second wavelengths, may thus also contribute to identification of the microorganisms.

The radiation sensor system may especially comprise a detector configured to detect the second radiation. In embodiments, the detector may be configured to detect the second radiation. The detector may especially comprise a spectrometer.

The radiation sensor system may especially comprise one or more optical components, such as one or more optical components selected from the group comprising an optical filter, a lens, a polarizer, a beam splitter, a mirror, and a retroreflector. In particular, the radiation sensor system may comprise an optical filter configured to selectively transmit the second radiation, such as to selectively transmit second radiation having the second wavelength range, especially wherein the optical filter is arranged between (at least part of) the enclosure and a detector of the radiation sensor system. In further embodiments, the radiation sensor system may comprise a second optical filter configured to selectively block the second wavelength, such as to selectively block radiation in the second wavelength range, especially wherein the second optical filter is arranged downstream of the enclosure with respect to the detector of the radiation sensor system. Hence, the second optical filter may be arranged to reduce ambient radiation in the second wavelength range.

The second radiation emitted by the microorganisms may be polarized. Hence, in embodiments, the radiation sensor system may comprise a polarizer. Thereby, a higher signal/noise ratio may be obtained.

In embodiments, the system may comprise a control system. The control system may especially be configured to control the system, such as to control one or more of the radiation source and the radiation sensor system, especially at least the radiation source, or especially at least the radiation sensor system.

The term “controlling” and similar terms herein may especially refer at least to determining the behavior or supervising the running of an element. Hence, herein “controlling” and similar terms may e.g. refer to imposing behavior to the element (determining the behavior or supervising the running of an element), etc., such as e.g. measuring, displaying, actuating, opening, shifting, changing temperature, etc.. Beyond that, the term “controlling” and similar terms may additionally include monitoring. Hence, the term “controlling” and similar terms may include imposing behavior on an element and also imposing behavior on an element and monitoring the element. The controlling of the element can be done with a control system. The control system and the element may thus at least temporarily, or permanently, functionally be coupled. The element may comprise the control system. In embodiments, the control system and the element may not be physically coupled. Control can be done via wired and/or wireless control. The term “control system” may also refer to a plurality of different control systems, which especially are functionally coupled, and of which e.g. one control system may be a control system and one or more others may be slave control systems.

The system, especially the control system, may have an operational mode. The term “operational mode” may also be indicated as “controlling mode”. The system, or apparatus, or device (see further also below) may execute an action in a “mode” or “operational mode” or “mode of operation”. Likewise, in a method an action, stage, or step may be executed in a “mode” or “operation mode” or “mode of operation”. This does not exclude that the system, or apparatus, or device may also be adapted for providing another operational mode, or a plurality of other operational modes. Likewise, this does not exclude that before executing the mode and/or after executing the mode one or more other modes may be executed. However, in embodiments a control system (see further also below) may be available, that is adapted to provide at least the operational mode. Would other modes be available, the choice of such modes may especially be executed via a user interface, though other options, like executing a mode in dependence of a sensor signal or a (time) scheme, may also be possible. The operational mode may in embodiments also refer to a system, or apparatus, or device, that can only operate in a single operation mode (i.e. “on”, without further tunability).

In embodiments, the operational mode may especially comprise one or more of an irradiation stage, a detection stage, and a determination stage.

In further embodiments, the operational mode may comprise the irradiation stage. In the irradiation stage, the radiation source may (be configured to) provide the first radiation. Especially, the radiation source may (be configured to) provide the first radiation to the enclosure. In the irradiation stage, microorganisms (in the enclosure) may absorb at least part of the first radiation and may subsequently, especially after a delay, emit second radiation. In particular, the first radiation may result in dimerization of DNA and/or RNA of the microorganisms, and the second radiation may be emitted as a result of subsequent molecular mechanisms (such as chemical reactions) occurring within the microorganisms, which may vary between different microorganisms. Hence, the delay and/or the distribution of second wavelengths in the second radiation over time may be indicative of the type of the microorganisms, and may especially facilitate identifying the microorganisms (see further below).

In further embodiments, the operational mode may comprise the detection stage. In the detection stage, the radiation sensor system may (be configured to) detect at the second wavelength and (be configured to) provide a related sensor signal to the control system. The radiation sensor system may especially (be configured to) detect second radiation in or originating from the enclosure. Hence, in the detection stage, the radiation sensor system may (be configured to) detect in the second wavelength range.

Hence, the enclosure may comprise a sensor. In other embodiments, the enclosure wall may comprise a light transmissive window, like a glass or a quartz or a polymeric window, through which the second radiation may escape and may be detected by the sensor configured external from the enclosure. Especially, the sensor may be a photo sensor.

Therefore, the sensor system may configured external from the enclosure, or part of the sensor system may be configured part of the enclosure and part of the sensor system, especially a sensor, such as a photo sensor, may be configured within the enclosure. The entire sensor system may also be configured within the enclosure. A sensor within the system may provide a more sensitive system. However, also light guides may be used to guide light from the enclosure to an external sensor system.

The term “sensor” may especially refer to a photosensor. The term “sensor” may refer e.g. to a photo diode, or a CCD camera, or a photomultiplier.

The sensor system may comprise one or more sensors.

To select the second wavelength range, the sensor system may in embodiments comprise a sensor which is essentially only sensitive to the second wavelength range and/or use a means to select one or more wavelengths from the second wavelength range. For instance, the sensor system may comprise one or more of a grating, a bandpass filter, a dichroic filter, a monochromatic filter, a longpass filter, a shortpass filter, a dispersion element (like a prism) (with an optics e.g. a slit, to select the desired wavelengths (like in monochromators) etc. The term “related sensor signal” may herein refer to a signal that is related to the detected second radiation. In particular, the related sensor signal may comprise raw and/or processed data related to the (detected) second radiation. In embodiments, the related sensor signal may comprise (raw and/or processed) data related to a spectral power at the second wavelength or a spectral power distribution of at a plurality of second wavelengths in the second wavelength range. In further embodiments, the related sensor signal may comprise temporal data, such as time stamps, related to the spectral powers. Hence, the related sensor signal may comprise data related to changes over time in the spectral power at a second wavelength, especially at a plurality of second wavelengths.

In particular, the system, especially the operational mode of the system, is not restricted to the presence of the microorganisms. Hence, during the detection stage, the radiation sensor system may detect in the second wavelength range, but may not detect any second radiation. Hence, the (related) sensor signal may also be indicative of the absence of detected second radiation.

In further embodiments, the operational mode may comprise the determination stage. In the determination stage, the control system may (be configured to) determine the microorganism-related parameter based on the (related) sensor signal. In further embodiments, the microorganism-related parameter may relate to a presence of the microorganisms, i.e., the control system may (be configured to) determine whether or not the microorganisms are present based on the sensor signal. In particular, the phrase “the microorganism-related parameter may relate to a presence of the microorganisms” refers to the microorganism-related parameter being indicative of the presence of the microorganisms. For example, the microorganism-related parameter could be binary, e.g., “1” (or “yes”) if microorganisms are present and “0” (or “no”) otherwise, the microorganism-related parameter could indicate an estimated number of microorganisms, or the microorganism- related parameter could indicate whether or not the number of microorganisms exceeds a predefined threshold.

In further embodiments, the mi croorgani sms-related parameter may comprise a number of microorganisms. In further embodiments, the microorganism-related parameter may relate to a decay of the microorganisms, i.e., relate to a (trend in) change in the number of microorganisms over time, especially during the irradiation stage. In further embodiments, the microorganism-related parameter may comprise a type of microorganisms. In further embodiments, the microorganism-related parameter may comprise a classification of the microorganisms, such as a phylogenetic classification, or such as a risk classification. In further embodiments, the microorganism-related parameter may comprise a risk score, such as a risk score determined based on the number and type(s) of the microorganisms.

Hence, in embodiments, during the determination stage, the control system may be configured to quantify a number (or “amount”) of microorganisms and/or deactivated microorganisms, especially a relative number of microorganisms and/or deactivated microorganisms, or especially an absolute number of microorganisms and/or deactivated microorganisms, in the enclosure. In such embodiments, the microorganism-related parameter may especially comprise a first value related to the number of microorganisms and/or deactivated microorganisms, especially to the number of microorganisms, or especially to the number of deactivated microorganisms.

In further embodiments, the control system may be configured to determine the (relative and/or absolute) number of microorganisms and/or deactivated microorganisms in the enclosure over time, especially wherein the microorganism-related parameter comprises a second value related to a decay of the microorganisms. In particular, the second value might be used to set a threshold; e.g., when reaching a certain quantitative or relative ratio of decay (e.g., a logN reduction is reached), the environment can be considered ‘safe’ from infectious levels of microorganisms. Hence, in embodiments, the control system may be configured to control the radiation source and/or a disinfection device, especially the radiation source, or especially the disinfection device, based on the second value.

The term “stage” and similar terms used herein may refer to a (time) period (also “phase”) of a method and/or an operational mode. The different stages may (partially) overlap (in time). For example, the irradiation stage may, in general, be initiated prior to the detection stage, but may partially overlap in time therewith. Further, in embodiments, the irradiation stage may be completed prior to the detection stage in view of above-mentioned delay. It will be clear to the person skilled in the art how the stages may be beneficially arranged in time. For instance, to detect a change in the number of microorganisms over time (or “a decay of the microorganisms”) in order to reduce the number of microorganisms to a predefined threshold, it may be desirable for the irradiation stage, the detection stage, and the determination stage to occur simultaneously.

In embodiments, the system may be configured for disinfecting the enclosure, or especially an object (or “asset”) in the enclosure, from microorganisms. In particular, as mentioned, the first wavelength may be selected such that the first radiation is lethal for the microorganisms, especially the first wavelength and a first irradiance of the first radiation may be selected such that the first radiation is lethal for the microorganisms. The first wavelength may be selected such that the microorganisms emit the second radiation following contact with the first radiation.

It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that the efficiency of the disinfection of the microorganisms may depend both on the irradiance and the wavelength of the first radiation. For instance, some first wavelengths may be more prone to lead to dimerization of DNA or RNA than others. Further, a microorganism, such as a bacterium, may have DNA-repair mechanisms and could therefore cope with DNA dimerization up to a certain point. The term “lethal” herein refers to the first radiation and the first irradiance being selected such that the microorganisms are effectively inactivated (or “killed”), especially the microorganisms are modified in such a way that they cannot further infect and/or reproduce. It will further be clear to the person skilled in the art that this may depend on a duration of the exposure to the radiation, and the person skilled in the art will select suitable wavelengths and irradiance in view of the intended application. In particular, in embodiments wherein the first radiation is lethal to the microorganisms, the first wavelength and the irradiance of the first radiation may be selected such that the first radiation, during the irradiation stage, inactivates (or “kills”) at least 70% of the microorganisms, such as at least 80%, especially at least 90%. In further embodiments, the first wavelength and the irradiance of the first radiation may be selected such that the first radiation, during the irradiation stage, inactivates (or “kills”) at least 95% of the microorganisms, such as at least 98%, especially at least 99%. In further embodiments, the first wavelength and the irradiance of the first radiation may be selected such that the first radiation, during the irradiation stage, inactivates (or “kills”) at least 99.99% of the microorganisms, such as at least 99.999% of the microorganisms, especially at least 99.9999% of the microorganisms.

Hence, in embodiments, the enclosure may be configured for hosting an object, especially wherein the system is configured for disinfecting the object. In particular, the system may comprise a (closeable) space, especially a (closeable) holder defining the (closeable) space, such as a (closeable) box, or such as a (closeable) chamber, for hosting the object. In aspects, the object may be a filter or membrane for holding or confining the air sample, or at least part of the air sample.

The object may require extensive disinfection, but could also require relatively little, or even essentially no, disinfection. As indicated above, when doses of disinfecting radiation are based on estimates, this may provide the illusion of safety, which may be dangerous, or may result in a waste of energy. Hence, in embodiments, the control system may be configured to control the radiation source based on the microorganism-related parameter. In particular, the control system may disinfect the object based on a predefined threshold for the (relative or absolute) number of microorganisms.

In particular, in embodiments, the system may be configured to disinfect an object, wherein the enclosure is configured to host the object, and wherein the control system is configured to control the radiation source based on the microorganism-related parameter.

In embodiments, the system may be configured to determine the microorganism-related parameter for an object, especially to determine a microorganism- related parameter for a surface of the object. In particular, the microorganism-related parameter may relate to a location of the microorganisms.

In further embodiments, the enclosure may be configured for hosting one or more objects, such as two or more objects, especially wherein the system is configured for disinfecting the one or more objects. Such embodiments may be particularly advantageous for the detection of the microorganism-related parameter of a plurality of (small) objects, especially for disinfection of a plurality of (small) objects.

Microorganisms do not necessarily uniformly cover a space or an object, or a plurality of objects. Hence, it may be advantageous to locate the microorganisms, such that a disinfectant can be spatially focused, and/or such that infected objects can be identified.

Hence, in embodiments, the radiation source may be configured to successively provide the first radiation to different parts of the enclosure. In particular, in embodiments, the radiation source may comprise a scanning laser, and/or the radiation source may comprise a plurality of light sources configured to provide the first radiation, such as a plurality of vertical -cavity surface-emitting lasers, or such as a plurality of LED light sources.

In further embodiments, the radiation sensor system may be configured to successively detect second radiation in or originating from different parts of the enclosure. In particular, the radiation sensor system may comprise a plurality of detectors configured to detect the second radiation (in or originating from different parts of the enclosure).

The enclosure may, in embodiments, be (configured) shielded from ambient light, especially from ambient light in the second wavelength range. The term “ambient light” may herein especially refer to light in the immediate surroundings of the enclosure, such as light incident on an external surface of one or more enclosure walls defining the enclosure. Hence, the enclosure walls may be configured to provide an enclosure shielded from ambient light.

In particular, by shielding the enclosure of ambient light, especially of ambient light in the second wavelength range, the system may have a higher sensitivity for detecting microorganisms, especially due to a lower background “noise”, i.e., due to a higher signal/noise ratio.

In embodiments, in the operational mode, the radiation sensor system and the control system may be configured to determine a radiative decay of the second radiation at the second wavelength as function of time. In such embodiments, the control system may (be configured to) determine the microorganism-related parameter based on the radiative decay.

In further embodiments, the radiation source may be configured to provide the first radiation in a pulsed way, which may facilitate determining the decay of the second radiation.

In embodiments, especially during the operational mode, the radiation source may be configured to (essentially) continuously provide the first radiation (to the enclosure). However, it may not be required to continuously provide the first radiation. Hence, in further embodiments, the system, especially the control system, may be configured to periodically execute the operational mode. In further embodiments, the radiation source may be configured to, during the operational mode, periodically provide the first radiation (to the enclosure). Periodically providing the first radiation may be beneficial as energy may be saved relative to continuously providing the first radiation. In further embodiments, the radiation source may be configured to provide the first radiation in a continuous way.

In embodiments, the radiation source may be configured to provide the first radiation with (the first wavelength having) a first irradiance selected from the range of > 0.5 - 200 mW/cm ² , such as selected from the range of 1 - 100 mW/cm ² , especially from the range of 2 - 80 mW/cm ² .

With respect to the first irradiance of the first radiation, the first irradiance may especially be determined at a surface to which the first radiation is provided, such as a surface of an object, or such as an enclosure wall. Hence, in embodiments the radiation source may be configured to provide the first radiation to a section of an enclosure wall (of the one or more enclosure walls) with an irradiance selected from the range of 0.5 - 200 mW/cm ² , such as selected from the range of 1 - 100 mW/cm ² , especially from the range of 2 - 80 mW/cm ² . In particular, the section of the enclosure wall may be in a line of sight from the radiation source(s), especially the section of the enclosure wall may be arranged at an angle < 5°C from an optical axis of the radiation source. In embodiments, the section of the enclosure wall is at most 1 m from the radiation source, such as at most 0.5 m, especially at most 0.1 m. Hence, in an embodiment a reference distance for determining the first irradiance may be selected from the range of 0.1-1 m from the (respective) radiation source (especially determined along the optical axis). Hence, the radiation source may in embodiments be configured to provide the first radiation with a first irradiance selected from the range of 1 - 100 mW/cm ² at a distance from the radiation source selected from the range of 0.1-1 m.

In embodiments, the system may comprise a handheld device, such as a breath analysis device, or such as a disinfection box. The sample of air may comprise, or may be, a breath sample.

The system, especially the control system, may be configured to provide the microorganism-related parameter to a user. Similarly, the system, especially the control system, may be configured to receive input, such as instructions, from a user. Hence, in embodiments, the system may comprise a user interface. The user interface may especially comprise a display for displaying information to a user, such as for displaying a message related to the microorganism-related parameter. Hence, the control system may be configured to provide a message based on the microorganism-related parameter via the user interface, especially to report the microorganism-related parameter via the user interface. In further embodiments, the user interface may comprise an input mechanism, such as a keypad, for providing input to the system.

In embodiments, the system may comprise a breath analysis device, especially a handheld breath analysis device. The breath analysis device may especially comprise the enclosure, wherein the enclosure is configured for receiving a breath sample, such as for receiving a breath sample from a user. For instance, the breath analysis device may comprise a mouth piece configured for receiving a breath sample from a user, wherein the mouth piece is in fluid connection with the enclosure. In embodiments, the system may be, or may comprise a mask, wherein the mask comprises the enclosure configured for receiving the air sample, i.e. a breath sample.

The breath analysis device of the invention may be particularly suitable for determining whether a user is potentially infectious with respect to an air-transmitted disease. In particular, many diseases may spread through exhaled air, including, for example, the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19. Hence, the system of the invention may directly measure microorganisms in a context that is relevant for the infectiousness of an individual. Further, the system of the invention may provide a quick measurement, which may facilitate “at-the-door”-checks. Hence, in embodiments, the breath analysis may comprise a user interface, especially wherein the control system is configured to provide a message based on the microorganism-related parameter via the user interface. In embodiments, the system may comprise an air treatment system, especially wherein the enclosure, or one or more of the enclosure walls, comprises at least part of the air treatment system, such as (at least part of) a pipe. For instance, the system may be arranged such that one or more walls of a pipe of the air treatment system form the one or more enclosure walls. The air treatment system may especially comprise a HVAC system. Hence, in embodiments, the system may be configured to disinfect air. Further, in embodiments, the system may be configured to monitor a microorganism-related parameter in air. In particular, the control system may be configured to control an air treatment parameter in dependence on the microorganism-related parameter, especially wherein the air treatment parameter comprises one or more of an air flow, a temperature, a residence time in the air treatment system, and a humidity. For instance, the control system may be configured to control the air flow, especially such that air comprising a number of microorganisms above a pre-defmed threshold is routed away from people, especially away from rooms in which people reside. Similarly, the control system could block an air flow from a room from which air containing a number of microorganisms above a predefined threshold originate. In further embodiments, the control system may control the temperature and/or the humidity based on the microorganism-related parameter, especially to reduce the chance of infections, such as by reducing the chance of spreading of a microorganism and/or by increasing disinfection of the microorganism. For instance, humidity may affect the infectiousness of the microorganisms, whereas high and/or low temperatures may be inactivating and/or lethal for the microorganisms.

In embodiments, the air treatment system may comprise a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

The system may, in embodiments, further comprise a disinfection device, such as disinfection radiation source or a disinfection ionizer. The disinfection device may especially comprise a disinfection radiation source, such as a disinfection radiation source configured to provide radiation having a wavelength in the first wavelength range, especially a disinfection radiation source configured to provide UV radiation, or a disinfection ionization source. The disinfection device may especially be configured to disinfect a space, such as a room. In such embodiments, the enclosure may be configured for receiving an air sample from the space, especially for continuously receiving an air sample from the space, or especially for periodically receiving an air sample from the space. Hence, the disinfection device may be configured to disinfect a space, while the system monitors the disinfection of the space by determining the microorganism-related parameter in the enclosure, which receives a sample from the space. In such embodiments, the control system may especially be configured to control the disinfection device based on the microorganism-related parameter.

In such embodiments, disinfection device may disinfect the space using the same wavelength as the first radiation. However, the disinfection device may also disinfect using different wavelengths, or based on a different mechanism, such as based on ionization. In particular, the disinfection device may be configured to disinfect the space in a manner safe for an animal, such as a human, that may be in the space.

In embodiments, the radiation source may be configured to provide the first radiation to a space, such as a room. Especially, in embodiments, the radiation source may be configured to successively provide the first radiation to different parts of the space. In particular, in embodiments, the radiation source may comprise a scanning laser, and/or the radiation source may comprise a plurality of light sources configured to provide the first radiation to the space, such as a plurality of vertical -cavity surface-emitting lasers, or such as a plurality of LED light sources.

The system may, in aspects, further comprise a lighting device, such as a lamp (e.g. a Hue Go). The lighting device, or lamp, may comprise an ambient light source for providing ambient lighting. The lighting device may further comprise the radiation source, the radiation sensor system, the one or more enclosure walls, and the control system according to the invention. The lighting device may thus especially comprise a disinfection radiation source, such as a disinfection radiation source configured to provide radiation having a wavelength in the first wavelength range, especially a disinfection radiation source configured to provide UV radiation, or a disinfection ionization source. The lighting device, or lamp, may especially be configured to disinfect the enclosure. The enclosure may be an internal cavity of said lighting device, or lamp, which may be in communication with the space in which the lighting device, or lamp, is present. In such embodiments, the enclosure may be configured for receiving an air sample from the space, especially for continuously receiving an air sample from the space, or especially for periodically receiving an air sample from the space. Hence, the disinfection device may be configured to disinfect a space, while the system monitors the disinfection of the space by determining the microorganism-related parameter in the enclosure, which receives a sample from the space. In such embodiments, the control system may especially be configured to control the disinfection device based on the microorganism-related parameter. In such embodiments, the control system may especially be configured to control the ambient light source based on the microorganism- related parameter. For example, the ambient light source may provide a lighting characteristic based on the microorganism-related parameter, so as to provide a user feedback associated with, or indicative of, said microorganism-related parameter. The embodiments related to the system according to the invention may mutatis mutandis apply to said lighting device, or lamp, according to the invention.

In embodiments, radiation sensor system may especially (be configured to) detect second radiation in or originating from the space. In further embodiments, the radiation sensor system may be configured to successively detect second radiation in or originating from different parts of the space. In particular, the radiation sensor system may comprise a plurality of detectors configured to detect the second radiation (in or originating from different parts of the space).

It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that a volume of the enclosure may be selected in view of an intended application. For instance, the volume of the enclosure in embodiments for breath analysis may be substantially smaller than the volume of the enclosure in embodiments for disinfecting objects. In embodiments, the enclosure may have a volume selected from the range of 0.2 - 5000 dm ³ , such as from the range of 0.5 - 1000 dm ³ , especially from the range of 1 - 100 dm ³ . In further embodiments, the enclosure may have a volume of at least 0.1 dm ³ , such as at least 0.2 dm ³ , especially at least 0.5 dm ³ , such as at least 1 dm ³ . In further embodiments, the enclosure may have a volume of at least 2 dm ³ , such as at least 5 dm ³ , especially at least 10 dm ³ . In further embodiments, the enclosure may have a volume of at most 5000 dm ³ , such as at most 2000 dm ³ , especially at most 1000 dm ³ , such as at most 100 dm ³ . In further embodiments, the enclosure may have a volume of at most 50 dm ³ , especially at most 20 dm ³ , such as at most 10 dm ³ , especially at most 5 dm ³ .

For instance, with respect to a breath analysis device, the volume of the enclosure may be selected in view of a typical volume of breath. In particular, a normal (adult) breath may have a volume of about 500 ml, and a forceful exhale may typically have an additional volume of about 800-1100 ml. Hence, the enclosure in a breath analysis device may, for example, be selected from the range of 0.2 - 2 dm ³ . In particular, with regards to the breath analysis device, the volume enclosure may be selected based on whether a user is to supply a normal or a deep breath (forced exhale).

However, for a system configured to disinfect one or more objects, the enclosure may be substantially larger in order to host the objects. Hence, in such embodiments, the enclosure may have a volume selected from the range of 1 - 5000 dm ³ , such as from the range of 5 - 1000 dm ³ .

However, other dimensions are herein not excluded. In a further aspect, the invention may provide a method for determining a microorganism-related parameter. The method may comprise a sensing stage, especially wherein the sensing stage comprises one or more of an irradiation stage, a detection stage, and a determination stage. The irradiation stage may comprise providing first radiation to an enclosure, especially wherein the first radiation comprises a wavelength selected from a first wavelength range, and especially wherein the first wavelength range is the range of 80 - 490 nm, such as the range of 100 - 380 nm, especially the range of 100 - 280 nm. In further embodiments, the first wavelength range may especially be the range of 190 - 280 nm. The detection stage may comprise detecting at a second wavelength, especially in the enclosure, or especially detecting radiation from the enclosure at a second wavelength, and providing a related signal. The second wavelength may especially be selected from a second wavelength range. In embodiments, the second wavelength range may be the range of 550-680 nm, especially the range of 580 - 650 nm. In particular, the detection stage may comprise detecting in the second wavelength range. The determination stage may comprise determining the microorganism-related parameter based on the (related) signal.

In specific embodiments, the method may comprise a sensing stage, wherein the sensing stage comprises: providing first radiation to an enclosure, wherein the first radiation comprises a wavelength selected from the range of 100 - 280 nm; detecting at a second wavelength and providing a related signal, wherein the second wavelength is selected from the range of 550-680 nm; and determining the microorganism-related parameter based on the signal.

In embodiments, the method may comprise disinfecting the enclosure, or especially disinfecting an object in the enclosure, from microorganisms. In particular, the method may comprise selecting the first wavelength such that the first radiation is lethal for the microorganisms. Especially, the method may comprise selecting the first wavelength and an irradiance of the first radiation such that the radiation is lethal for the microorganisms. In embodiments, the first wavelength may be selected such that the microorganisms emit the second radiation following contact with the first radiation. In further embodiments, the method may comprise providing the first radiation with a first irradiance selected from the range of 1 - 100 mW/cm ² .

As indicated above, the microorganism-related parameter may especially relate to the presence of one or more microorganisms. In particular, in embodiments, the method may comprise quantifying a number (or “amount”) of microorganisms and/or deactivated microorganisms in the enclosure, especially wherein the microorganism-related parameter comprises a first value related to the number of microorganisms and/or deactivated microorganisms. In further embodiments, the method may comprise determining the number of microorganisms and/or deactivated microorganisms in the enclosure over time, especially wherein the microorganism-related parameter comprises a second value related to a decay of the microorganisms.

In embodiments, the method may comprise determining whether a disinfection activity is needed based on the microorganism-related parameter, and, executing a disinfection stage if disinfection activity is deemed required. In particular, the method may comprise executing a disinfection stage if the microorganism-related parameter has a predetermined value (such as “present”), especially if the microorganism-related parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold, such as a number of microorganisms exceeding a predetermined threshold. In further embodiments, the disinfection stage may comprise providing a disinfectant to inactivate, especially kill, the microorganisms. Especially, the disinfection stage may comprise providing a disinfectant to the enclosure or a space, especially to the enclosure, such as to parts of the enclosure (see below), or especially to the space. In further embodiments, the disinfection stage may comprise providing disinfection radiation to the enclosure or the space. The disinfection radiation may especially comprise a disinfection wavelength in the range of 80 - 490 nm, especially the range of 100 - 420 nm, such as the range of 100 - 380 nm, especially the range of 100 - 280 nm. In further embodiments, the disinfection wavelength may especially be selected from the range of 190 - 280 nm. Hence, the disinfection wavelength and the first wavelength may especially be selected from the same wavelength range. In embodiments, the disinfection wavelength and the first wavelength may be the same. In further embodiments, the disinfection radiation and the first radiation may differ in irradiance, especially wherein the irradiance of the disinfection radiation is at least 5 times the irradiance of the first radiation, such as at least 10 times, especially at least 50 times.

In further embodiments, the method may comprise determining a radiative decay of the second radiation at the second wavelength as a function of time, especially wherein the method further comprises determining the microorganism-related parameter based on the radiative decay. In such embodiments, the method may especially comprise providing the first radiation in a pulsed manner.

In embodiments, the method may comprise obtaining a breath sample in the enclosure, and (subsequently) determining the microorganism-related parameter in the enclosure. In particular, the method may comprise providing first radiation to the enclosure while the enclosure comprises the breath sample.

The method may, in embodiments, further comprise providing a message based on the microorganism-related parameter, especially via a user interface.

In embodiments, the method may especially be executed using the system of the invention.

In a further aspect, the invention may provide a treatment method. The treatment method may comprise a treatment stage and the sensing stage according to the method of the invention. The treatment stage may comprise disinfecting one or more of (i) air, such as air in an HVAC system, or such as sensed air, (ii) an object, and (iii) a space, especially air, or especially the object, or especially the space. In embodiments, the treatment stage may comprise disinfecting with (or “using”) one or more of ionized particles and UV radiation. The treatment stage may especially comprise disinfecting air. The treatment method may further comprise controlling the treatment stage in dependence of the sensing stage, especially in dependence of the microorganism-related parameter.

In further embodiments, the treatment method may comprise disinfecting (a surface of) an object, wherein the enclosure hosts the object. In particular, the treatment method may comprise controlling the providing of the first radiation based on the microorganism-related parameter.

Hence, in further embodiments, the treatment method may comprise arranging the object in the enclosure.

In further embodiments, the treatment method may comprise disinfecting air, wherein the enclosure comprises at least part of the air, and especially wherein the method comprises controlling an air treatment parameter in dependence on the microorganism-related parameter. The air treatment parameter may especially comprise one or more of an air flow, a temperature, a residence time in the air treatment system, and a humidity.

In further embodiments, the treatment method may comprise disinfecting a space, wherein the method comprises (continuously or periodically) providing an air sample from the space to the enclosure, especially wherein the method comprises controlling the disinfecting of the space based on the microorganism-related parameter. In further embodiments, the treatment method may comprise disinfecting an object in a space, especially the surface of an object, such as a table.

The treatment method may especially be executed using the system of the invention. In a further aspect, the invention may provide a computer program product comprising instructions for execution on a control system functionally coupled to a system, wherein the instructions, when executed by the control system, cause the system to carry out the method according of the invention or the treatment method of the invention.

In a further aspect, the invention may provide a data carrier, carrying thereupon program instructions which, when executed by a control system functionally coupled to a system, cause the system to carry out the method of the invention.

The system may be part of or may be applied in a breath analysis device, a ventilation system, an air filtration device, a disinfection device, a disinfection chamber, a medical (object) disinfection system, a hospital disinfection system, a robot-carried system disinfection system, such as a rover carrying UV(C) light sources, lighting, such as in a table UVC lamp, and upper air disinfection lighting.

In embodiments, the system may be part of or may be applied in a wearable device, for example the system may be part of or may be applied in a mask. Hence, the invention may provide a mask comprising the system according to the present invention.

In a specific embodiment, the radiation source may comprise a light source, especially a solid state LED light source (such as a LED or laser diode), or especially a mercury lamp, or especially an excimer light source. The term “light source” may also relate to a plurality of light sources, such as 2-20 (solid state) LED light sources. Hence, the term LED may also refer to a plurality of LEDs.

The terms “upstream” and “downstream” relate to an arrangement of items or features relative to the propagation of the light from a light generating means (here especially the radiation source), wherein relative to a first position within a beam of light from the light generating means, a second position in the beam of light closer to the light generating means is “upstream”, and a third position within the beam of light further away from the light generating means is “downstream”.

The embodiments described herein are not limited to a single aspect of the invention. For example, an embodiment describing the method may, for example, further relate to the system, especially to an operational mode of the system, or especially to the control system. Similarly, an embodiment of the system describing an operation of the system may further relate to embodiments of the method. In particular, an embodiment of the method describing an operation (of the system) may indicate that the system may, in embodiments, be configured for and/or be suitable for the operation. In aspects, as a paragraph, the invention may further provide an apparatus comprising a radiation source, a radiation sensor system, an enclosure, and a control system, wherein the radiation source is configured to provide first radiation to the enclosure during a first time period, wherein the first radiation comprises a first wavelength selected from the range of 100 - 280 nm, wherein the radiation sensor system is configured to detect second radiation, during a second time period, in or originating from the enclosure having a second wavelength in the range of 550-680 nm, and wherein the system has an operational mode comprising: the radiation source providing the first radiation during the first time period; the radiation sensor system detecting at the second wavelength during the second time period, and providing a related sensor signal to the control system; the control system determining the microorganism-related parameter based on the sensor signal. Thereby, in aspects, the first time period and the second time period may overlap in time. For example, the radiation source may provide the first radiation and simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously) the radiation sensor system may detect the second radiation. Thereby, in aspects, the start of the first time period may precede the start of the second time period in time. Thereby, advantages and/or embodiments applying to the system according to the invention may mutatis mutandis apply to said apparatus according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

Fig. 1-6 schematically depict embodiments of the system of the invention.

The schematic drawings are not necessarily on scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 schematically depicts a system 100 for determining a microorganism- related parameter. The system 100 comprises a radiation source 110, a radiation sensor system 120, and a control system 300. The system further defines an enclosure 130. In particular, the depicted system 100 comprises the enclosure 130. The radiation source 110 is configured to provide first radiation 111 to the enclosure 130, especially wherein the first radiation comprises a first wavelength selected from a first wavelength range, wherein the first wavelength range is the range of 100 - 400 nm. In the depicted embodiment, the enclosure 130 comprises microorganisms 20, wherein the microorganisms 20 absorb the first radiation 111 and emit second radiation 21, especially second radiation having a second wavelength in the range of 550-680 nm, especially in the range of 580 - 650 nm.

The radiation sensor system 120 may be configured to detect the second radiation 21 having a second wavelength in a second wavelength range, especially wherein the second wavelength is the range of 550-680 nm, especially the range of 580-650 nm.

The radiation sensor system 120 may also be configured at least partly external from the enclosure 130, when the second radiation may escape from the enclosure 130 via a light transmissive window or when the radiation sensor system 120 comprises a sensor, such as a photo sensor, which is configured within the enclosure 130.

The system 100, especially the control system 300, may have an operational mode comprising an irradiation stage, a detection stage, and a determination stage.

The irradiation stage may comprise the radiation source 110 providing the first radiation 111, especially providing the first radiation 111 to the enclosure 130.

The detection stage may comprise the radiation sensor system 120 detecting at the second wavelength and providing a related sensor signal to the control system 300. The radiation sensor system 120 may especially be configured to detect radiation in the enclosure 130 or originating from the enclosure 130.

The determination stage may comprise the control system 300 determining the microorganism-related parameter based on the sensor signal.

In the depicted embodiment, microorganisms 20 are present in the enclosure 130. However, it will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to enclosures comprising microorganisms, as the system of the invention may be used to assess whether microorganisms are present. In particular, in embodiments, the microorganism-related parameter may relate to the presence of one or more microorganisms 20

In embodiments, the system 100 the control system 300 may be configured to quantify a (relative or absolute) number of microorganisms 20 and/or deactivated microorganisms 20 in the enclosure 130, especially wherein the microorganism-related parameter comprises a first value related to the number of microorganisms 20 and/or deactivated microorganisms 20. In further embodiments, The control system 300 may be configured to determine the (relative or absolute) number of microorganisms 20 and/or deactivated microorganisms 20 in the enclosure 130 over time, especially wherein the microorganism-related parameter comprises a second value related to the decay of the microorganisms 20.

In embodiments, the system 100 may be configured for disinfecting in the enclosure microorganisms 20, especially wherein the first wavelength, and optionally a first irradiance of the first radiation 111, is selected such that the first radiation 111 is lethal for the microorganisms 20. In particular, in general, the first wavelength may be selected such that the microorganisms 20 emit the second radiation 21 following contact with the first radiation 111, i.e., the first wavelength may be selected such that after the microorganisms 20 absorb the first radiation 111, the microorganisms 20 emit the second radiation 21.

In further embodiments, in the operational mode the radiation sensor system 120 and the control system 300 may be configured to determine a radiative decay of the second radiation 21 at the second wavelength as function of time, wherein the radiation source 110 is configured to provide the first radiation 111, especially in a pulsed way, and especially wherein the control system 300 determines the microorganism-related parameter based on the radiative decay.

Fig. 1 further schematically depicts an embodiment of the method for determining a microorganism-related parameter. The method may comprise a sensing stage comprising providing first radiation 111 to an enclosure 130, wherein the first radiation 111 comprises a wavelength selected from the range of 100 - 400 nm; detecting at a second wavelength and providing a related signal, wherein the second wavelength is selected from the range of 550-650 nm; and determining the microorganism-related parameter based on the signal.

Fig. 1 further schematically depicts an embodiment of the treatment method, wherein the treatment method comprises a treatment stage comprising disinfecting one or more of (i) air 51 and (ii) an object, and the sensing stage according to the method of the invention. In embodiments, the treatment method may further comprise controlling the treatment stage in dependence of the sensing stage, especially in dependence of the microorganism-related parameter.

Fig. 2-3 schematically depicts embodiments of the system, wherein the system is configured to disinfect an object 10. In particular, the enclosure may be configured for (or “suitable for”) hosting the object 10. The system may especially comprise one or more enclosure walls 131 configured to define the enclosure 130, especially such that the enclosure 130 is configured for hosting the object 10. In further embodiments, the control system 300 may be configured to control the radiation source 110 based on the microorganism-related parameter.

In embodiments, the one or more enclosure walls 131 may especially be reflective for the first radiation 111. In particular, the side of the one or more enclosure walls 131 facing the enclosure 130 may be reflective for the first radiation 111.

In the depicted embodiments, the enclosure 130 may, especially during use, be shielded from ambient light. In particular, the system may comprise one or more enclosure walls 131 configured to shield the enclosure 130 from ambient light.

Fig. 4 schematically depicts an embodiment of the system, wherein the system comprises one or more enclosure walls 131, wherein the one or more enclosure walls 131 are configured to define part of the enclosure, i.e., during use the enclosure 130 is partially enclosed by the one or more enclosure walls 131. In particular, the one or more enclosure walls 131 may be configured to define the enclosure together with an (external) surface 135. Such embodiments may be particularly suitable to determine the microorganism-related parameter with regards to such a (external) surface 135.

In the depicted embodiment, the system further comprises an access window 132, wherein the access window is arranged such that the microorganisms 20 are downstream from the access window with respect to the radiation source 110, and wherein the radiation sensor system 120 is arranged downstream from the access window with respect to the microorganisms 20. In embodiments, the access window may especially comprise a material selected from the group comprising quartz and fused silica.

Fig. 5 schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the system 100 comprises a handheld breath analysis device 101 and a user interface 301. The system, especially the breath analysis device 101, comprises the enclosure 130, wherein the enclosure 130 is configured for receiving a breath sample (from a user). In embodiments, the system, especially the breath analysis device, may comprise a mouth piece configured for receiving a breath sample from a user, and for providing the breath sample to the enclosure. In further embodiments, the control system 300 may be configured to provide a message based on the microorganism-related parameter, especially via the user interface 301. In the depicted embodiment, the breath analysis device 101 comprises the user interface 301.

In further embodiments, the system 100, especially the breath analysis device 101, may be functionally couplable to a mouth piece, especially to a disposable mouth piece.

In further embodiments, the breath analysis device 101, especially the control system 300 (thereof), may be configured to detect a breath volume of the breath sample. In such embodiments, the breath analysis device 101, especially the control system 300, may be configured to relate the microorganism-related parameter to the breath volume. In further embodiments, the breath analysis device 101, especially the control system 300, may be configured to determine the microorganism-related parameter (only) if the breath volume is in a predetermined range, especially if the breath volume exceeds a predetermined threshold.

The fan 145 depicted in Fig. 5 is depicted in relation to the air treatment system 140 discussed below. In general, a breath analysis device 101 may not require a fan 145.

In the depicted embodiment, the system comprises two openings 133 configured such that air 51 may be provided to the enclosure 130 and such that air 51 may leave the enclosure 130.

Fig. 5 further schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the system 100 comprises an air treatment system 140, wherein the enclosure 130 comprises at least part of the air treatment system 140, and wherein the control system 300 is configured to control an air treatment parameter in dependence on the microorganism-related parameter, wherein the air treatment parameter comprises one or more of an air flow, a temperature, a residence time in the air treatment system, and a humidity. In the depicted embodiment, the system 100, especially the air treatment system, further comprises a fan 145 configured for controlling an airflow through the enclosure 130.

Fig. 6 schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the system 100 is configured to disinfect a space 50. In the depicted embodiment, the system 100 comprises a disinfection device 150 configured to disinfect the space 50, wherein the enclosure 130 is configured for (continuously or periodically) receiving an air sample from the space 50, allowing the system to determine a microorganism-related parameter in the enclosure based on an air sample representative of air 51 in the space 50. In further embodiments, the control system 300 may be configured to control the disinfection device 150 based on the microorganism-related parameter. In embodiments, the disinfection device 150 may especially comprise a disinfection radiation source or a disinfection ionization source.

In the depicted embodiment, the disinfection device 150 comprises a disinfection radiation source providing disinfection radiation 151, especially comprising a wavelength in the UV range, wherein the disinfection radiation is specifically provided to the top of the depicted room, such that an animal, especially a human, in the space would not be directly exposed to the disinfection radiation. Fig. 6 further schematically depicts a light generating device 1200, such as a lamp or luminaire, wherein the light generating device 1200 provides light source light 1001. In the depicted embodiment, the disinfection device 150 and the light generating device 1200 are integrated in a single physical unit. In further embodiments, also the enclosure 130 may be integrated in the same physical unit (or “element”) as the disinfection device.

In further embodiments, the disinfection device may be configured to disinfect in a manner safe for animals, especially safe for humans.

The term “plurality” refers to two or more. Furthermore, the terms “a plurality of’ and “a number of’ may be used interchangeably.

The terms “substantially” or “essentially” herein, and similar terms, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The terms “substantially” or “essentially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially or essentially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” or the term “essentially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. Moreover, the terms ’’about” and “approximately” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. For numerical values it is to be understood that the terms “substantially”,

“essentially”, “about”, and “approximately” may also relate to the range of 90% - 110%, such as 95%-105%, especially 99%-101% of the values(s) it refers to.

The term “comprise” also includes embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of’.

The term “and/or” especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after “and/or”. For instance, a phrase “item 1 and/or item 2” and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term "comprising" may in an embodiment refer to "consisting of but may in another embodiment also refer to "containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species".

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. The devices, apparatus, or systems may herein amongst others be described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation, or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

The term “further embodiment” and similar terms may refer to an embodiment comprising the features of the previously discussed embodiment, but may also refer to an alternative embodiment.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, or an apparatus claim, or a system claim, enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

The invention also provides a control system that may control the device, apparatus, or system, or that may execute the herein described method or process. Yet further, the invention also provides a computer program product, when running on a computer which is functionally coupled to or comprised by the device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

The invention further applies to a device, apparatus, or system comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. Moreover, if a method or an embodiment of the method is described being executed in a device, apparatus, or system, it will be understood that the device, apparatus, or system is suitable for or configured for (executing) the method or the embodiment of the method, respectively. The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.