Apparatus for controlled irradiation of the human body

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the targeted Irradiation of the human body. In particular, the invention relates to a device and a method for irradiating the human body with tanning, especially with a certain amount of UV radiation containing radiation take account of the fact that different people have different skin types and against browning radiation have different sensitive skin and optionally are used to varying degrees, tanning radiation, To be particularly radiation with a certain amount of UV radiation.

Tanning devices based on UV Strahlem are in different configurations Known and sizes. Especially popular tanning devices to Full-body tanning. These have as base an optionally with a profile provided, deck ( "Bank") on which transparent below a tanning for radiation equipped with the surface browning radiation radiating UV radiator tubes is. The lower part of the tanning device corresponds to a movable upper part, the either about an axis parallel to an edge, typically parallel to one of the two longer edges, the sun axis extending pivotally or at a stand or a suspension on a ceiling in a vertical direction is movable. The top is - above a transparent for browning radiation lower surface - also radiating with the browning radiation UV lamp tubes fitted. user a tanning device lift or tilt the upper part to the open position, which allows a comfortable "boarding", lie down on the couch, close the Shell, and then turn the UV lamp tubes for a preselected time tanning one in the field a few minutes, but certainly also for 15 minutes or longer may be. A tanning process using the above-mentioned, above only raised regarding important general features of device is also known, and thus the prior art.

Such tanning devices find increasingly used, both in the cosmetics sector (both private use at home as well as in so-called "Tanning Salons" that provide professional devices used for tanning of the skin), as well as in the medical field, in which the preventive or therapeutic Treatment of the skin more and more as a drug-free or drug is treating concomitant treatment path used successfully (acne, Psoriasis, etc.).

Basically used in the prior art tanning devices for all the aforesaid Purpose designed so that a tanning process can take place without the Skin components of the emitted by the tubes used radiation, in particular, damage by UV radiation components so long as habits and safeguards are respected, dedicated to the tanning process note under withdrawing person even with an exposure of natural solar radiation have to be. In other words: Just as when tanning in nature, a person must with "lighter" skin and / or little previous occasions, the solar radiation and / or artificial UV radiation (eg. as a tanning appliance) to be exposed, select lower irradiation doses and / or shorter irradiation times and / or the Skin stronger with normal (z. B. cosmetic) protect resources as a person with "Darker" skin and / or more previous occasions, the solar radiation to be exposed and / or artificial UV radiation.

In the medical field, the irradiation dose and / or irradiation time can be determined empirically, in any case, under the supervision of the radiation dose and / or time controlling person (eg. as a doctor or a trained by him) controlled will. Typically of medical radiation treatment at the start of radiation therapy a low constant dose of radiation and / or short treatment time chosen determines the reaction of the skin of exposed persons to radiation and the dose and time for the steps of radiation treatment in accordance with the First response set, usually slowly increased. This requires a certain Experience, ie both experienced in the treatment method generally as also in the assessment of response physiologically achieved as well in dealing with the tanning device used. Different reactions and skin types can (Constant usually) only a reduction of the radiation dose or reduction the bill irradiation time be worn.

In the cosmetics sector are in professional provision of tanning devices Although usually people willing to seek advice regarding tanning time and can give radiation dose, but this advice is often not accepted. In the domestic sphere, such advice is entirely absent. Rather, selects the a tanning device person using mostly the exposure time and radiation dose on the device itself, so that even if previously an expert consultation has taken place, this does not ensure that not chosen a stronger dose or longer tanning time is, for example, in the mistaken endeavor, so speed up the process of tanning or in a "meeting" to achieve deeper skin tanning. this leads to - Known as in nature - produced to the UV radiation on the skin Erythema, commonly known as "sunburn" which can be very painful and in the long run also damage the skin.

The document DE-A 43 12 547 already describes tanning devices, in which the Risks of excessive exposure of the skin both in the medical field as can be significantly reduced also in the cosmetic field. This is done in accordance the cited document by means of an adjustment of the UV-radiation of a Bräunungsräts to the individual skin type of the user. The UV lamps ( "Tubes) are each provided with a separate means for controlling the power, and more of these devices for power control are a central connected control device, so that an individual regulation of individual tubes carried can. In practice, the power control via a (per se takes place in a long time known) device for determining the individual's skin to be irradiated of the coloring Person. Directly on the skin of the person to be irradiated is a scanning head optically skin type or skin color of the person to be irradiated determined. This is done by applying light of a defined spectral composition, Sampling the reflected light from the skin and determining the ratio the / reflected light to the incident light absorbed. The central controller is with the determined (and with empirical data matched) data fed and determines the maximum radiation power that the person to be irradiated may receive, and - depending on the desired length of the radiation - also in individual case to apply maximum irradiation time coming.

A disadvantage of that proposal that the fact is not taken into account is that different parts of each human body differently susceptible tanning for browning radiation, and also differently sensitive to Radiation, particularly UV radiation. So the body is (and in particular Parts of the body, which are usually dressed) substantially more sensitive to UV-radiation than the face. Measurements of skin tanning and the Skin type on the face so regularly lead to a higher, maximum allowed Radiation dose according to the apparatus described in the publication DE-A 43 12 547 as measurements of skin tanning or skin type on the body, for example, on the chest or on the abdominal wall. The consequence of such "faulty measurements", although correct for the measured skin type on the given skin surface, are too high or too low radiation doses at other locations of the skin surface thereof Person. In particular, for the selected case, the preliminary measurement of skin type or scald on one of the regularly less sensitive areas (eg. B. the face of the person to be irradiated) of the body (and in particular sensitive parts of the body) with a strong dose of tanning radiation irradiated, leading to the known erythemal irritation of the skin, or even to damage to the sensitive skin results.

The invention provides a remedy for this is perceived as disadvantageous circumstance of Prior art. Surprisingly, it was found that it in carrying out several measurements of skin type or the status of a skin tanning to irradiated person at different points of the skin surface and separate setting impinging on the respective part of the body radiation corresponding to the Results of each measurement by separate regulation of the radiation-emitting UV radiation sources such as UV lamps tubes is possible to avoid over-radiation and the maximum authorized for a particular area of ​​skin maximum optimal use of radiation dose.

The invention therefore relates to a device for measuring the for the design of a UV irradiation dose-related condition of the skin of a person on the skin-surface, comprising (a) a device for emission of radiation defined spectral composition to the skin surface; (B) where appropriate means for bringing the radiation of defined composition of the emitting device; (C) a sensor for measuring reflected from the skin surface or absorbed portions of the incident from the emitting device radiation; and (d) means for supplying the device and / or the sensor with Energy and the transmission of measurement data to a device evaluation system. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the measurement of the Rated a UV irradiation dose-related condition of the skin of a human measuring the skin color of the person and / or the measurement of the skin-tanning state of the human.

The invention further relates to a device for irradiating the body of a user with a proportion of UV radiation comprehensive radiation, comprising at least a device with a facing the user, for the radiation transparent and more, arranged on the surface by the user remote side of the surface Groups of UV radiation sources, adapted regarding the number and arrangement are that they separated a UV component comprehensive radiation substantially can direct to different parts of the user's body, and the controllable are by one or more device (s) for controlling the power of the UV radiation sources, the regulation of the power according to the results of measurements the relevant for the assessment of the UV-irradiation dose condition of the skin, especially preferably the skin and / or skin-tanning state of the user carried out several passages of his skin surface.

The invention further relates to a method for irradiating the body of a user emitting a UV radiation portion comprehensive radiation from such radiation UV radiation sources, comprising the step that the for the design UV irradiation dose-related condition of the skin, and particularly preferably the skin color and / or the skin-tanning state of the user at multiple sites his skin-surface measures and according to the results of measurements performed individual groups of the UV radiation sources governs their radiation substantially can set separately to different parts of the user's body.

The invention further relates to such an irradiation method for cosmetic and / or medical purposes.

Finally, the invention also relates to the use of the above device for measurement the relevant for the design of a UV irradiation dose of the state Skin, more preferably the skin and / or skin-tanning condition, in Related to the exposure of the skin with a UV radiation portion comprehensive Radiation in the nature and / or in connection with the medical irradiation the skin with a UV radiation portion comprehensive radiation and / or in Connection with the cosmetic skin irradiation with a UV radiation portion comprehensive radiation.

The invention is further based on the preferred embodiments shown in the figures explained. The embodiments shown in the figures serve to Explanation of the invention, not limitation thereof. Show it:<sl><li>1 shows a device for measuring the for the dimensioning of a UV radiation dose relevant state of the skin, especially the skin and / or skin-tanning condition, a man in a perspective view;</li><li>Figure 2 shows a device according to Figure 1 in an exploded view; </li><li>Figure 3 shows a device according to Figure 1 in front view (Figure 3A), in a side view (Figure 3B) and in plan view (Figure 3C) and in lateral section (Figure 3D) and in longitudinal section (Figure 3E);</li><li>Figure 4 is a side sectional view of the functional area of ​​the apparatus of FIG 1;</li><li>5 shows a device for irradiating the human body with a UV radiation portion comprehensive radiation with special emphasis on Means for measuring the skin color and / or skin-tanning condition;</li><li>Figure 6 is a circuit diagram showing the control of the UV radiation sources and in particular UV lamp tubes by evaluating the results of the measurement of skin color measuring device shows; and</li><li>Figure 7 is a flow diagram of the sequence of the method for irradiation human body under prior and / or simultaneous determination of skin color and / or skin-tanning state shows.</li></sl>

The invention will now be described with reference to the figures in detail.

The term "skin color" is understood within the scope of the invention as the sum of Wavelengths of the reflected light due to the irradiation of light of a defined Intensity and wavelength is reflected from the skin surface. The skin color serves as a basis for the evaluation of the dose of ultraviolet Radiation can tolerate the skin without irritated even begin to erythemal will. The skin of different individuals react - as found - differently irradiated on to the skin surface light of a defined spectral Composition for the measurement of a for the design of the UV radiation dose relevant state of the skin. Skin of people with fair skin usually reacts significantly more sensitive (and therefore can withstand until a erythemal Irritation significantly less UV radiation) as a skin of humans with a dark skin. The light reflected from the surface of the skin of a specific skin color Light provides a good measure of how sensitive the respective skin to UV radiation is how it is used for the process of tanning the skin.

In contrast to the term "skin color" is in the context of the present invention the term "browning skin condition" of the already response to Exposure of the skin to UV radiation reached, caused by pigmentation Condition of the skin understood the time of measurement. Experience has shown that reacts the pigmented ( "Dark") skin less sensitive than slightly pigmented ( "bright") or even unpigmenterte skin to UV radiation. Regardless of the color thus provides skin-tanning state another good measure of the dose of UV radiation can receive a person's skin without being erythemal irritated.

The inventive device 200 for measuring a measurement of a UV irradiation dose relevant state of the skin of a person, and - more preferably - To measure the color and / or skin-tanning state of Humans is shown in Figures 1 to 4. FIG. Generally the measurement of the skin color a human and / or the measurement of the skin-tanning condition of a human by means of a device 200 comprising: (a) means for dispensing 201 or emission of radiation of defined composition to the skin surface; (B) optionally, a means 211 for guiding the radiation defined composition the emission means 201; (C) a sensor 202 for measuring of the skin surface of the reflected components from the emission means 201 incident radiation; and (d) means 212 for supplying the device 201 and / or the sensor 202 with energy and the transmission of measurement data to a Evaluation system means 203rd

In preferred embodiments of the invention may be in the 201 defined for dispensing or emission of radiation composition to one or a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or be a light guide. The former may be used singly or in groups of a plurality of LED's; these can (But need not necessarily) with respect to the wavelength of the emitted light be different. An optical fiber carries light defined spectral composition of a (usually removed from the emitting end of the conductor arranged) Light source zoom. Particular preference is given according to the invention the use of multiple, different from each other in the wavelength of the emitted light LED's. In a particularly preferred embodiment according to the invention are three LEDs used. This can, for example, (not mandatory and therefore not restrictive) emit blue, green and red light.

The term "radiation-defined spectral composition", as in the description and is used in the claims, means in the context with the present invention, radiation, whose wavelengths are continuous from the Spectrum of the light, particularly preferably of visible light, so the light Be chosen so with wavelengths of 400 to 800 nm, that the incident light may be reflected from the skin surface and useful results of the measurement the relevant for the design of a UV irradiation dose condition of the skin and in particular the measurement of the skin color or skin tanning state supplies. It is possible within the scope of the present invention with radiation over the entire range extending wavelengths, particularly radiation in the visible to use the spectrum of light, or even to use monochromatic radiation. In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention is more specifically light Wavelengths used, for example, light of wavelengths in the range of about 400 to 450 nm (blue) 470 to 520 nm (green) and 700 to 750 nm (red) used. From the perspective of reproducible results and in particular the measurements of skin color and / or skin-tanning state has the emission of light in the three Wavelength ranges particularly suitable.

The light of a defined spectral composition is in a further preferred Embodiment supplied by LEDs as emitter 201. This can be Experience has shown that miniaturized so far that they individually or collectively in the Device can accommodate 200 and despite the small size of the light defined provide spectral composition reliably and radiate the skin.

In an alternative embodiment of the device 200 according to the invention is the later defined on the skin surface to be injected light spectral composition generated at a location spaced from the device location. The generated so Light - possible is a narrow or a broad spectral distribution of wavelengths - Is then by means of one or more optical fiber (s) to said emission means 201 guided and irradiated from there to the skin.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the device comprises 200 in the range of radiation emitted another device 205 that the Diffusion of the emitted light between the emitter 201 and the skin surface used and thus its radiation direction of a single directional Ray to a variety of diffuse radiation changes. Especially, it has a spherical Cavity 205 proven inside the device 200, which serves as a diffuser 205 and the direction of the emitted radiation from the emitter 201 and the Skin surface changes.

In a further embodiment of the invention is as a diffuser 205, a so-called "Ulbricht sphere" used. This has the advantage that it has a diffuse radiation generated, which is very similar to that of natural sunlight. For irradiation of light for the measurement of for the design of a UV radiation dose relevant state of the skin of a person, this solution has the advantage that a Measuring radiation is irradiated to that extent in a natural environment similar.

According to the invention further comprises the device 200 includes a sensor 202, the measurement of a of the reflected radiation from the skin surface or the measurement of the Skin surface absorbed radiation (irradiated in the sense radiation reflected minus Equal radiation absorbed radiation) is used, based on the emission of the device 201 incident radiation. The sensor 202 may be any sensors serve or detectors as the expert in the field of detection of light knows by wavelength and / or intensity. Preferably conventional photodiodes. alternative this could also (optionally miniaturized) cameras in the skilled worker known shape may be used, for example, a line camera or optical Camera. The sensor 202 may, in particularly preferred embodiments of the invention be used together with additional optical devices, for example, one or more lens (es) 204 for focusing the reflected radiation and / or one or more prism / prisms for decomposing the reflected Radiation in wavelengths to different radiation in order in this way in the to be able, even when the reflected light radiation from the skin surface of one or more defined wavelength (s) detected. The sensor 202 measures of the Skin surface reflected radiation in response to the one for the design UV radiation dose-related condition of the skin of humans. Specifically, it has been found by that, depending on the color of the skin or, depending on already successful pigmentation previous radiation tanning UV radiation, different amounts of reflected radiation introduced a defined spectral composition of the skin will. More specifically, reflected light or not or only slightly pre-pigmented Skin more radiation than dark or already pre-pigmented skin. The Depending on the amount of reflected radiation, based on a defined amount of irradiated radiation-defined spectral composition, enables accurate Estimating the radiation dose and / or irradiation time with surprisingly high security. In particular, according to the invention the fact is taken into account, that different parts of the body of a human being a different, for a rated UV irradiation dose-related condition of the skin having, in particular a different color and / or a different skin-tanning state exhibit. This may be due, for example, on that in everyday life, the one part of the body (for example, the face and arms) frequently are tanning UV radiation and thus a different skin color or a have other skin-tanning condition than another part of the body (for example, the chest or the back). Due to (for example) has already been performed pre-pigmentation of face and arms this stronger UV radiation doses can receive and / or longer irradiated as chest and back. The measurement for the design of a UV irradiation dose relevant state of the respective parts of the skin, For example, preferably, the measurement of skin color or of the skin-tanning state, defined by the emission of light spectral composition and the subsequent measurement of the amount of (a part of the vorgebräunten and thus darker skin of the face and arms and the other part of the not vorgebräunten and thus lighter skin of the breast or back) Reflected light provides a surprisingly good measure for the UV-irradiation dose, which can be irradiated on to the skin, or the possible time of irradiation with UV radiation of a defined intensity, without the erythemal threshold is exceeded.

The detected by sensor 202 amount of reflected radiation is also of the device 200 comprising means 212 to an evaluation system 203 transfer. Their role is in addition to the evaluation of the received data, information on the intensity and duration of the possible irradiation of certain body parts to provide UV radiation to use as a control to the effect to initiate that certain parts of the body less and others more tanning be exposed to UV radiation. According to the invention, the device may 212 and the sensor with the required energy supply.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device 200 additionally a means 209 for setting defined distances between emission device 201 and the skin surface on the one hand and the sensor device 202 and the skin surface on the other. This is practical with particular advantage characterized realized that the corresponding devices in fixed arrangement, for example, be in a measuring head or probe, respectively. This is a concrete Arrangement of the bodies in order to improve the precision of measurement and to improve the practical handling of the device 200 in the measurement reached.

The constructed according to the foregoing description, and optionally further Facilities such as micro switches, cables, connectors and / or breakage and moisture-proof Housing comprehensive device 200 can be used for measurement of a tax UV irradiation dose-related condition of the skin of a human in a whole number of areas of application are employed. So done such Measurement of the condition of the skin, for example in connection with irradiation the skin with a UV radiation portion comprehensive radiation in a conventional Tanning device with artificial UV radiation sources such as UV lamps tubes or high pressure burners. Their intensity may in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention according to the irradiation dose for the controlled relevant state of the user of such a tanning device skin are, most preferably even to parts of the body and their skin color or Skin tanning state separately. So are darker and / or pre-pigmented skin such as the face and / or arms with greater intensity and / or longer irradiated as lighter and / or less (or no) pre-pigmented skin (Chest, back). To this embodiment of the invention, this will now be described, but without being limited thereto.

Another, according to the invention is also relevant and thus preferred application the device 200 is the measurement of a rated for a UV irradiation dose relevant state of the skin of a person in connection with the irradiation of the skin with a UV radiation portion comprehensive radiation in the nature. Specific examples thereof - without these construed as a limitation should be - can prepare a person for a stay on be the beach or on the water (sailing, surfing) or sports, where natural sunlight is to be expected with the natural UV content.

Another application for the device 200, the invention also teaches is preferred, is the measurement of for the design of a UV irradiation dose relevant state of the skin of a person in connection with the medical Irradiation of the skin with a UV radiation portion comprehensive radiation. Certain Skin diseases such as acne or psoriasis, for only two of to call them, can be cured by UV irradiation of the affected skin or alleviate significantly at least in their symptoms. Often finds such UV irradiation also accompany a dose of medication instead or can the dose of medication reduce or even replace them. The targeted, ie with respect to intensity matched and duration of UV irradiation on certain parts of the body affected Irradiation can accelerate the healing process, in particular at from the disease infected areas of the body without increasing the risk of erythema is, contrary to the continuous healing process.

Another, also inventively preferred application for the establishment 200 is the measurement of for the design of a UV irradiation dose relevant Condition of the skin of a person in connection with the cosmetic Irradiation of the skin with a UV radiation portion comprehensive radiation. browning skin for purely cosmetic reasons, to improve the appearance, the Creating a healthier and tighter skin and to increase the general Well-being (and possibly in preparation for a stay in another Climates than at home, in the greater exposure of the body to UV radiation expected) are increasingly coming to the fore. Thereby, the Protection from strong exposure to UV radiation and more important. The present Invention provides in a particularly advantageous manner good conditions to avoid from excessive radiation and thus avoiding erythema that the Objectives contrary to this particular application in the cosmetic field.

Reference is 5 now to FIG. According to the present invention is also provided a device 100 for irradiating the body of a user with a UV component of comprehensive radiation. The device 100 comprises at least means 106 facing with the user, for radiation transparent surface 102 and more, on the user remote side of the surface 102 arranged groups of UV radiation sources 104, with respect to the number and arrangement are such that they which a UV component comprehensive radiation substantially addressed separately to different parts of the user's body can, and can be controlled by one or more device (s) 108 for regulating the power of the UV radiation sources 104, wherein the control of the power According to results of measurements for the design of the UV irradiation dose relevant state of the skin of the user in several places his skin surface takes place.

The device 100 may in a preferred embodiment of the invention his usual tanning device whose UV radiation sources 104 in accordance with the Objects of the present invention are adapted to individual groups of UV radiation sources 104 to various parts of the body of a user be judged and the respective, in various parts of the body of the user directed UV radiation sources 104 with respect to radiation intensity and / or duration of irradiation could be controlled separately. Suitable UV radiation sources 104 in particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, for example, UV lamp tubes or high-pressure burner in question.

The regulation of the power of the UV radiation sources 104 is inventively corresponding results of before the irradiation and / or simultaneously with the irradiation performed measurements of the measurement of UV radiation dose relevant state of the user's device 100 skin, so for example, of the tanning device 100. In a preferred embodiment according to the Device 100 is carried out the regulation of the power of the UV radiation sources 104 corresponding to the results of measurements of the skin color and / or the actual skin tanning state the user. Still more preferably, the invention is a Such a measurement of the skin color and / or of the user's skin tanning state carried out by one or more devices 200, as above in Details have been described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. FIG. Based on the results of the / the device (s) 200 measurements taken, the the absorption and / or reflection of irradiated radiation to the skin of defined determine spectral composition in relation to the incident radiation, the devices 108 actuated in the device 100, the power of the UV radiation sources 104 rules.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, in the apparatus 100, the number of groups of UV radiation sources 104 at least equal to or even greater than the number of points of the skin surface of the user on which measurements the relevant for a measurement of the UV-irradiation dose of the state of the skin user are performed, more preferably measurements of the skin color and / or the skin-tanning state of the user's skin can be performed. With others Words, it is - for a particular device 100 - to decide on how many Make the skin surface of the user's device 100 measurements, for example, skin color and / or skin-tanning state are carried out, so how finely tuned the tanning of the user's body due to the conditioning is to take place of his skin. Accordingly, the number of terms of intensity is or irradiation time separately controllable sources of UV radiation is equal to or greater than the number of the measuring points established to a different on parts of the body precisely matched tanning of the skin without fear of occurrence of erythema to achieve due to excessive radiation. By way of example - according to the invention with particular advantage - groups of devices 108 for controlling the Performance and / or duration of irradiation of UV radiation sources 104 in accordance with the Results of measurements of the relevant for the UV-irradiation dose of the state Skin, especially the skin and / or skin-tanning state of the user the device 100 may be provided at several locations of its skin surface, the are selected from skin of the face, the skin of the upper body, the skin of the back, the skin Lower body, buttocks, skin of the arms and skin of the legs.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the device 100 are controlled so that the device (s) 200, the skin color and / or the the user's skin tanning state before the start of the irradiation with UV radiation measures / measure. According to the measurement result 108 is on the device (s) the Intensity of the UV radiation sources 104 and / or duration of the irradiation with these in matched to the skin color and / or the skin-tanning state of the user Manner set.

In a further, improving the vote, and thus more preferred embodiment, the invention measures / measure the device (s) 200 skin color and / or the user's skin tanning condition, not only before the start of irradiation but additionally at least once during the irradiation, more preferably intermittently or continuously during the irradiation. This embodiment has the advantage that also determined during the irradiation test results be incurred in response to the irradiation, so that an irradiation during the arising with UV radiation changing the parameters (color, skin-tanning state) Account can be taken.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device 100 includes, for example, may be configured as a conventional tanning device and above in Detail may include features described,<sl><li>(A) a deck 110 having a transparent to the radiation lying surface 112 for the Users and radiation emitting UV radiation sources 114;</li><li>(B) a movable top part 120 having a transparent to the radiation protection surface 122 and radiation-emitting UV radiation sources 124;</li><li>(C) where the upper part 120 relative to the deck 110 for boarding a user can be opened and closed before the start of an irradiation process;</li><li>(D) user operable control device 130 for controlling the time of irradiation procedure; and </li><li>(E) one or more device (s) 108 for the separate control of the power of UV radiation sources 114, 124, wherein the control of the power according to results of measurements of the skin and / or skin-tanning state of the user takes place in several places of his skin surface.</li></sl>

The above-described apparatus 100 in its configuration as a conventional tanning device is not limited to the mentioned embodiment, in which a user lies on a bed and is irradiated with UV radiation, the UV radiation sources 114, 124 is emitted, the above under the mattress support 112 and the protection area are arranged 122nd Rather includes the embodiment as described also known as stand-up sunbed. In these, the UV-radiation sources are vertically arranged, and the user - even standing - is of two "halves" of the device 100 surrounded, 114, 124 arranged the UV radiation sources around him where are.

claimed invention also provides a process for the irradiation of the body a user with a UV radiation portion comprehensive radiation from such Radiation emitting UV-radiation sources. The method comprises the step of one relevant to a design of a UV irradiation dose skin condition, and especially preferably the skin and / or skin-tanning condition, the User measures in several places of his skin surface and according to the results the measurements, the performance of individual groups of the UV lamp tubes regulates, their radiation substantially separately to different parts of the body of can set user.

In a specific case of the measurement of the relevant for a UV irradiation state the skin is - as in the flow chart can be seen in Figure 7 - the device 200 is activated and then the measurement of the skin condition at least two locations of the body, generally carried out on n sites in the body of the user, the chosen may for example be made of skin of the face, skin of the upper body, skin of the back skin of the body, the skin of the buttocks, skin of the arms and the skin Legs, without this being restrictive meaning. The amount of the skin of the user the reflected radiation are detected by the sensor 202, and the corresponding Data is forwarded to the evaluation unit 203rd There the values ​​are the Measuring the amount of radiation at the measuring point 1, at the measuring point 2, ...., at the measuring point n compared with standard values ​​from which can be deduced how high the maximum Exposure dose (or the maximum irradiation time at a given Dose) may be the point at which carried out the first, second, ...., nth measurement has been. The UV irradiation dose for the irradiation of the first, second, ...., nth Location of the user's body is set in accordance with the setting an adjustment of the intensity at a constant time of total irradiation, a setting the time at a constant irradiation dose, or any combination of may be parameters, which ensures that the skin is just as intensely irradiated that the erythema threshold is not reached. The UV radiation source, for example the UV lamp tube or the high-pressure burner, n for the position 1, 2, .... is initiated and after reaching the maximum values ​​of the dose, the time and / or other parameters off again.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention even during the Irradiation at the locations 1, 2 ...., n of the user's body, the emitted power and / or measured, the emitted radiation for initiating the emission of UV radiation are compared as maximum values ​​indicated and with the advance. If such a Comparison reached or even exceed the maximum values ​​for a particular location 1, 2, ...., n result, the tanning device switches for irradiation this point or part of the body provided UV radiation sources individually (or even the entire device) from. Also this shown in Figure 7 in the lower third.

The number of points of the skin surface of the user, where one relevant Parameters such as preferred skin color and the user's skin-tanning state measures, in principle, subject to any restrictions. However, preference is given to the skin color and / or the skin-tanning state of the user in at least two Ask his skin surface and measures according to the results of the measurements the performance of two or more groups of the UV radiation sources governs. Especially preferably is in the process of the invention, the skin color and / or skin-tanning state of the user at least two locations, generally at n points, to measure its skin surface that are selected from skin of the face, skin Upper body, the back skin skin skin of the body, the skin of the buttocks, the Arms and skin of the legs.

Is particularly preferred in the inventive method, the measurement of skin color and / or of the user's skin tanning state by one or more Device (s) 200 to perform the absorption and / or reflection of the Skin irradiated radiation-defined spectral composition in relation to the measure the incident radiation, and according to the result, the devices 108 to control for controlling the power of the UV radiation sources 104, particularly preferably as shown in FIG. 7

As already stated above in connection with the device 100, takes place in a particularly Preferred Embodiments of the method the measurement the relevant for a measurement of the UV-irradiation dose condition of the skin the user before the start of irradiation; is in accordance with the measurement result then controlled irradiation. usable In another, also with advantage Embodiment of the invention the measurement of the parameter, preferably the measurement skin color and / or skin-tanning state of the user, before the start irradiation and in addition preferably at least once during the irradiation, further intermittently or continuously during the irradiation. This embodiment is therefore particularly advantageous because also so during irradiation with a UV component containing radiation in an emergency by switching off the corresponding can prevent radiation sources or even the entire device, that the maximum, possibly leading to the formation of erythema parameters of irradiation (Time, intensity, etc.) to be exceeded, if the measurement of the Skin condition relevant parameters shows that the skin at the measuring point for such long and / or intensive irradiation is not suitable.

The inventive method is applicable in many areas, according to the invention are not limited. Preferred is a use of the method are for cosmetic skin exposure and medical skin exposure.

By taking place at least before the start of irradiation of measurement for the calculation a UV radiation dose or the duration of irradiation relevant state a user's skin, preferably the skin and / or skin-tanning state the user, the exposure to ultraviolet radiation can be accurate to the individual circumstances of different UV-sensitive body parts of a User be parked. About the irradiation with the sequence of erythema formation ( "Sunburn") is reliable even on sensitive skin lighter or unpigmented avoided. This is achieved by a simple, quickly be implemented and apparatus-not consuming measurement method with the device 200 according to the present Invention.