Ultraviolet exposure detection apparatus

A method for determining ultraviolet radiation exposure and for communicating that exposure to an individual, comprising the steps of:

• sensing ultraviolet radiation in a manner which increases sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation for non-normal solar incidence angles, relative to a UV detector, and for producing a signal proportionate to the radiation, the step of sensing including sensing the radiation through one or more lambertian-like half spheres formed of solid UV-transmitting glass to provide substantially uniform angular acceptance to solar energy impinging on the detector;
• converting the signal to a corresponding frequency;
• counting at the frequency and converting the frequency to ultraviolet radiation exposure:
• and
• communicating the exposure to the individual.

A method for determining ultraviolet radiation exposure and for communicating that exposure to an individual, comprising the steps of:

• sensing ultraviolet radiation in a manner which increases sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation for non-normal solar incidence angles, relative to a UV detector, and for producing a signal proportionate to the radiation, the step of sensing including sensing the ultraviolet radiation through a plurality of UV-transmitting fibers, the fibers arranged in an annular pattern to receive solar radiation at differing angles relative to a surface normal of the UV detector;
• converting the signal to a corresponding frequency;
• counting at the frequency and converting the frequency to ultraviolet radiation exposure;
• and
• communicating the exposure to the individual.

Apparatus for determining the accumulated exposure to ultraviolet radiation, comprising:

• detector means for sensing ultraviolet radiation and for producing a signal proportionate to the radiation;
• energy-to-frequency converter means for converting the signal to a corresponding frequency;
• counter means for counting at the frequency;
• wide angle means for providing substantially uniform acceptance to solar energy impinging onto the detector means from different angular directions, the wide angle means having a plurality of UV-transmitting fibers constructed and arranged into an annular pattern so as to receive solar radiation at differing angles relative to a surface normal of the detector means and such that the fibers do not obstruct a central region within the annular pattern;
• and
• indication means for communicating at least an indication of a value counted to by said counter means to a user of the apparatus.

Apparatus for determining the accumulated exposure to ultraviolet radiation, comprising:

• detector means for sensing ultraviolet radiation and for producing a signal proportionate to the radiation;
• energy-to-frequency converter means for converting the signal to a corresponding frequency;
• counter means for counting at the frequency;
• wide angle means for providing substantially uniform acceptance to solar energy impinging onto the detector means from different angular directions, the wide angle means having (a) four lambertian half spheres constructed and arranged to cover different locations around a watch face and (b) a plurality of UV transmitting fibers connected between each of the spheres and the detector means to communicate UV energy therethrough;
• and
• indication means for communicating at least an indication of a value counted to by said counter means to a user of the apparatus.