Safety of an IR emmitter-phototransistor

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In summary, a team is working on designing a device to detect eye blinking in sleeping hospital patients. They have used the TCRT5000 sensor in their prototype but have safety concerns about the IR exposure to the eyes and eyelids. They are looking for information on how to compute irradiance, radiant exposure, and radiance using the link to the sensor provided. Additionally, they are interested in ways to lower the intensity/power of the IR emitter due to potential 8 hour daily exposure for patients. A PDF with Radiant Intensity values at specific test conditions is given as a potential resource for calculation.
  • #1
gloria
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Hi!

I'm part of a team doing an engineering project to design a device to detect eye blinking while a patient in the hospital is sleeping.

We have tried to use TCRT5000 sensor (http://www.vishay.com/docs/83760/tcrt5000.pdf) in the prototype and it works like charm ! However, since the TCRT5000 sensor has an IR emmitter we have some safety concerns regarding the IR exposure of the eyelids (mainly, since the eyes are closed) and the eye itself when he/she blinks.

Consequenty, we would need the following information (underlined in yellow) that we couldn't find in the factsheet:

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=d74d78cf09&view=fimg&th=14cd6af5e516b013&attid=0.1&disp=emb&realattid=ii_14cce6849d3a11a9&attbid=ANGjdJ9GGNk7f69hmRx6CRhEFg_lYW5397Sb8ONeT2yQz_d7_RETpV7hiQtR00u7DaahYoRaII3ck1OAm-dbPYjYcDMjJmBAMZTYDOlkRnjsNT5FCzU_vl7ylWBA_MQ&sz=w910-h216&ats=1429531466650&rm=14cd6af5e516b013&zw&atsh=1

Moreover, it has to be considered that the patients will be exposed to it 8h/day for their lifetime. If you know a way to low the intensity/power of the IR emitter it would be also apreciated. All the information is provided about the sensor is provided in the link above.

 
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  • #2
Sorry! The image can not be seen: I need someone to tell me how to compute irradiance (W/m^2), radiant exposure (J/m^2) and radiance (W/(m^2 sr)) using the link about the sensor I provided
 
  • #3
hello gloria

The PDF does give a Radiant Intensity of mW/sr at a test condition of forward current and duration for the IR emitter.

Perhaps, this will help you out,
http://spie.org/samples/FG11.pdf

Since you are given the Radiant Intensity, and from the setup you know the distance to the target, the target area, the cosine of the angle of the normal with the target area, shouldn't you be able to calculate what you need. It could be that I have missed something, which wouldn't be all that unusual.
 
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  • #4
256bits said:
hello gloria

The PDF does give a Radiant Intensity of mW/sr at a test condition of forward current and duration for the IR emitter.

Perhaps, this will help you out,
http://spie.org/samples/FG11.pdf

Since you are given the Radiant Intensity, and from the setup you know the distance to the target, the target area, the cosine of the angle of the normal with the target area, shouldn't you be able to calculate what you need. It could be that I have missed something, which wouldn't be all that unusual.
Thanks a lot! I will try it :D
 

What are the potential safety hazards of using an IR emitter-phototransistor?

The main safety concern with an IR emitter-phototransistor is the potential for eye damage due to exposure to high levels of infrared radiation. This can occur if the device is used at close range or if the intensity of the IR emission is too high.

How can the safety of an IR emitter-phototransistor be ensured?

To ensure safety, it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper use and handling of the device. This may include using appropriate protective equipment, such as goggles or gloves, and keeping the device at a safe distance from the body. It is also important to regularly check and maintain the device to ensure it is functioning properly.

What are the potential risks of using an IR emitter-phototransistor in industrial or medical settings?

In industrial or medical settings, the use of an IR emitter-phototransistor can pose a potential risk to workers or patients. This can include exposure to high levels of infrared radiation, which can cause burns or damage to the eyes. It is important to follow safety protocols and regulations in these settings to minimize these risks.

Are there any regulations or standards for the safety of IR emitter-phototransistors?

Yes, there are regulations and standards in place to ensure the safety of IR emitter-phototransistors. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines for the use of lasers, which includes infrared radiation. Additionally, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has developed safety standards specifically for IR emitter-phototransistors.

What should be done in case of accidental exposure to an IR emitter-phototransistor?

If accidental exposure to an IR emitter-phototransistor occurs, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. This is especially important if there are any symptoms of eye damage, such as pain, redness, or vision changes. It is also important to report the incident to the appropriate authorities and follow any necessary safety protocols.

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