WO2014135871A2

WO2014135871A2 - Ultraviolet exposure wristband indicator

Info

Publication number: WO2014135871A2
Application number: PCT/GB2014/050649
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steve Tew
Original assignee: Inovia Limited
Priority date: 2013-03-05
Filing date: 2014-03-05
Publication date: 2014-09-12
Also published as: WO2014135871A3

Abstract

A wristband with a built in indicator or ultraviolet sensing indictor alarm circuit that indicates and gives an haptic indication before erythema occurs and helps prevent overexposure to ultraviolet radiation and aids an even tan. The wristband unit contains an indicator that is activated when the wristband is put on the body. It then alerts the user after a period of time, that they need to re-apply sunscreen, thus reducing the risks associated with over exposure to UV radiation. The wristband comprises an indicating circuit, it contains an ultraviolet sensor circuit programmed to match the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of the lotion, or to a set SPF, which then gives a vibration warning when exposed to ultraviolet radiation for a calculated period.

Description

ULTRAVIOLET EXPOSURE WRISTBAND INDICATOR

ULTRAVIOLET EXPOSURE WRISTBAND Technical Field

The present invention relates to a UVI (Ultra Violet Index) radiation sunscreen wristband monitor and indicator unit which alerts or notifies a person when for example there is a risk of over-exposure to UV and a sunscreen needs to be reapplied.

Background

There are three types of skin cancer: the two most common are Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas. They are easily treated and rarely fatal. The third and most dangerous is the malignant melanoma.

Skin cancer is the second most common cancer in the United Kingdom, with about 40,500 new cases each year, of which 6,000 are malignant melanomas. About 1 ,500 people die from melanomas in Britain every year.

By the year 2001 , more than 1 % of the people in the US will get malignant melanoma. The UK figure is 1 in every 150-200.

There is strong evidence that melanomas occur on sun-damaged skin and that people are particularly at risk when they have sudden, short bursts of sunlight on holidays in places where the sun is very strong.

A tan is not a sign of health, it is a sign that the skin has been damaged by ultraviolet radiation. When cells are damaged by the sun, melanin rushes to the surface to provide protection against the next onslaught. As you slowly build up a 'protective' tan, your skin is darkening in response to damage on top of damage.

Over the past 60 years, damage to the planet's ozone layer has increased the amount of harmful radiation that reaches your skin. A Cancer Research study showed more than 50% of Brits were sun burned in 2012.

UV radiation is made up of UVA and UVB rays. UVA ages the skin and UVB burns the skin. Both can cause skin cancer, UVA is suspected to be involved in photo-aging of skin, that said, 90% - 95% of our vitamin D requirement comes from exposure from sunlight, so it's essential to receive sunlight. Sunscreens in the form of, for example, creams and lotions are applied all over the body to protect from harmful UV A & B radiation, but most people have no idea when exactly they should re-apply sun protection. Typically a lotion bottle will state "re-apply frequently", but "frequently" is ambiguous; do you re-apply every hour, two hours or until a user feels burning?

Sunscreens can lose their effectiveness for many reasons. They can wear off by sweating, abrasion, swimming, absorption into the skin, migration on the skin, and photo-degradation, and these removal mechanisms are important in sun protection by sunscreens. Mechanisms by which a sunscreen wears off create a problem in that a consumer cannot tell when the sunscreen has stopped providing effective UV protection.

US 4704535 discloses an ultraviolet radiation dosimeter to be employed by a person the skin of whom has been protected by a substance tending to inhibit the transmission of the radiation there through and which substance has a predetermined value of inhibition. Disposed to the radiation is a sensor that develops a signal in correspondence to the level of the radiation. Responding to that signal is a processor which accumulates a representation of the magnitude of the signal as effectively integrated with an elapsed time of exposure of the sensor to the radiation. An indication of the degree of the accumulation is yielded in response to the representation of the magnitude. The value of inhibition is used in order selectively to adjust in correspondence thereto the determination of the degree at which the indication is yielded. Both analogue and digital circuitry are presented, along with variations and additions such as also adjusting response in accordance with the skin type of the user. The cited electronic UV detector has dials that require the user to program in data. This is both confusing, inconvenient, and can be messy if you have sun lotion on your hands when entering data. Summary

The present invention aims to provide an indication that the sunscreen protection is failing, this indication taking place before erythema occurs. This gives the user a chance to apply more sunscreen before damage is done by the sun, lowering the risk of skin damage and cancer.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a radiation monitoring wristband. The wristband comprises a strap comprising a bi-stable spring configured to wrap the strap around a user's wrist; an ultraviolet detector coupled to the strap for detecting received ultraviolet radiation; and a processor coupled to the ultraviolet detector and configured to determine a quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector, the processor being further configured to provide an indication to a user when the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector exceeds a predefined dose.

As option, the ultraviolet detector may comprise a photovoltaic cell.

As an option, said processor may be configured with a single, fixed predefined dose. Alternatively the wristband may comprise an interface for receiving a user selected identification of a predefined dose and for providing this indication to the processor. The interface may comprise a plurality of buttons, or alternatively, the interface is a wireless transceiver configured to receive an identification of a predefined dose from a wirelessly connected device. The wirelessly connected device may be any one of a smartphone and a computer.

As an option, the wristband further comprises any of, a vibrator, a speaker, and a visual display, configured to indicate to the user when the first mentioned processor determines that the detected ultraviolet radiation exceeds the predefined dose. The transceiver may be further configured to send a message to the wirelessly connected device when the detected ultraviolet radiation exceeds the predefined dose value. Optionally, the first mentioned processor may be configured to reset upon attachment of the wristband to the user. A capacitive sensor or switch arranged may be used to detect attachment of the wristband to the user. Optionally, said first mentioned processor may be configured to stop determining the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector after a predetermined time following removal of the wristband from the user.

As an option, the wristband may comprise a rechargeable battery. The wristband may further comprise any one of a solar cell, thermoelectric device, mainspring and a motion work device, and inductive coil, configured to provide charge to the reachable battery.

As an option, the strap may comprise a layered, flexible stainless steel bi-stable spring band sealed within a material. The material me be any one of fabric, plastic, rubber and silicon.

As a further option, the wristband may comprise an omnidirectional reflector disposed in front to said ultraviolet detector and configured to guide light to the ultraviolet detector across a range of angles of incidence.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a radiation monitoring system. The radiation monitoring system comprises, a wristband comprising: a strap configured to wrap around a user's wrist; an ultraviolet detector coupled to the strap for detecting received ultraviolet radiation; a wireless transceiver configured to receive an identification of a predefined dose from a wirelessly connected device; and a processor coupled to the ultraviolet detector and configured to determine a quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector, the processor being further configured to provide an indication to a user when the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector exceeds the predefined dose; and a portable computer device comprising: an interface for receiving an identification of a predefined dose; and a wireless transceiver configured to send the identification of a predefined dose to the wristband. As an option, the strap comprises a bi-stable spring configured to wrap the strap around the user's wrist. The strap may be attached to the user by "slapping" the wristband against the surface to which the wristband is to wrap around. This allows for an easy and convenient way for the user to attach the wristband to themselves. This is particularly advantageous when the user's hands are greasy/slippery after having applied sun screen.

As an option, the interface of the portable computer device may comprise a camera configured to read printed information representing said identification of a predefined dose. Alternatively, the interface of the portable computer device may comprise a graphical user interface for receiving a user input of said identification of a predefined dose.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating the system of the second aspect. The method comprises: inputting an identification of a predefined dose into a portable computer device; sending the identification of the predefined dose to a wristband having an ultraviolet detector, the identification usable by the wristband in determining when to provide an indication to a user that the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector has exceeded the predefined dose.

As an option, the identification of the predefined dose is input into the portable computer device by any one of scanning a barcode, Quick Response Code, or Near Field Communication/RFID associated with a sun protection material container; and typing the identification of the predefined dose into a user interface of the portable electronic device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer program comprising computer readable code which, when run on a portable computer device, causes the portable computer device to behave as a portable computer device as described above in the second aspect.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a radiation monitoring wristband. The wristband comprises; a strap configured to wrap around a user's wrist; an ultraviolet detector coupled to the strap for detecting received ultraviolet radiation; a processor coupled to the ultraviolet detector and configured to determine a quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector, the processor being further configured to provide an indication to a user when the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector exceeds a predefined dose; and a contactless reader for reading data from a tag, the data providing an identification of said predefined dose, and for providing that data to said processor.

As an option, the contactless reader is an NFC or RFID reader.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a radiation monitoring wristband. The wristband comprises; a strap configured to wrap around a user's wrist; an ultraviolet detector coupled to the strap for detecting received ultraviolet radiation; a processor coupled to the ultraviolet detector and configured to determine a quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector, the processor being further configured to provide an indication to a user when the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector exceeds a predefined dose; a rechargeable battery for supplying power to components of the wristband; and a solar cell for generating and supplying charge to said rechargeable battery.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a radiation monitoring wristband. The wristband comprises; a strap configured to wrap around a user's wrist; an ultraviolet detector coupled to the strap for detecting received ultraviolet radiation; a processor coupled to the ultraviolet detector and configured to determine a quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector, the processor being further configured to provide an indication to a user when the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector exceeds a predefined dose; and an omnidirectional reflector disposed in front to said ultraviolet detector and configured to guide light to the ultraviolet detector across a range of angles of incidence.

Detailed Description

Viewed from a first aspect the present invention provides a UV radiation wristband 10 indicator that provides an indication that a user has received a predetermined dose of UV radiation, the wristband indicator is in the form of a wristband that can be operated once worn on the wrist or activated by touch or pressing a button.

The wristband consists of layered, flexible stainless steel bi-stable spring band sealed within a fabric or plastic or rubber or silicon cover. The bracelet can be straightened out, making tension within the springy metal band. The straightened bracelet is then "slapped" against the wearer's wrist, causing the band to spring back into a curve that wraps around the wrist, securing the wristband to the wearer. The wristband has a slot or hole in it to allow the top section of the upper housing to fit and lock into the band. The slot stops the housing from rotating and falling out when worn. The housing contains the circuit board with the various electronics on it. The circuit board has a UV sensor and a solar cell or other energy harvesting technology to charge the battery in it. The UV sensor monitors for UVA and UVB and feeds this information to a processor on the circuit board. The wristband electronics uses capacitance switching to switch itself on. When you put the wristband on your wrist for about ten seconds, the capacitance switch detects a change in its energy field. This informs the processor to wake, and the wristband starts to monitor Ultra-Violet radiation. Once activated, the wristband monitors every three (four) seconds for the sun's radiation. As the sun's UV changes, the UV sensor detects each change and updates the processor. Based on this change, the time before reapplication of sunscreen is automatically recalculated using the dose algorithm pre-programmed into the processor. In a further embodiment, the wristband electronics uses a tactile switch to switch itself on. When the wristband is put on to the wrist, the switch is pressed, this informs the processor to wake, and the wristband starts to monitor Ultra-Violet radiation. Once activated, the wristband monitors the sun's radiation twice every second. As the sun's UV changes, the UV sensor detects each change and updates the processor. Based on this change, the time before reapplication of sunscreen is automatically recalculated using the algorithm pre-programmed into the processor.

The radiation indicator is integrated within the wristband. The arrangement may be such that the user attaches the wristband to their wrist manually at the time of applying sun screen, and is activated automatically or manually once placed on the wrist by the user when the user applies sun sunscreen.

When the wearer of the wristband takes off the wristband, the band switches itself off after a predetermined time: this feature stops it accidentally switching itself off if the fit is loose on the wrist.

In another embodiment the wristband is switched on and off by a physical switch.

For example a tactile switch.

The wristband indicator is preferably electronic and provides a haptic signal that the predetermined dose has been received, although other types of signal such as visible or audio may be used. In another aspect of the invention, an ultraviolet light sensor that is attached to an electronic monitoring circuit may form part of the wristband, allowing the wristband circuit to monitor cumulative UV radiation dose over time.

In preferred embodiments, the electronic wristband indicator circuit could be programmed to match the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating of the lotion or other material within the packaging. For example, if a sunbather Applied SPF 5 protection, he should be able to stay in the sun for 5 times longer than if he had no protection, so the alarm would signal quicker than if the lotion was SPF 15 protection, assuming the sun UV index was the same in both situations.

In another embodiment, Sunscreen comes supplied in various containers supplied by the manufacturer. Each of these containers has a barcode that is an optical machine readable representation of data relating to the object to which it is attached. The wristband could be programmed with details of the sunscreen by a computer or mobile device such as a phone with a program or mobile phone App with for example a scanner or camera able to read the barcode.

The barcode may be attached to a Sunscreen with an SPF of 15. The App reads this, compares the data held in the App's database, and then programs the wristband with this factor number. The barcode may also contain other information about skin type, for example there are a number of skin types, usually denoted as the Fitzpatrick scale is a numerical classification schema for the colour of skin. For example, The Fitzpatrick Scale:

• Type I (scores 0-7) Light, pale white.

o Always burns, never tans

• Type II (scores 8-16) White; fair.

o Usually burns, tans with difficulty

• Type III (scores 17-24) Medium, white to olive.

o Sometimes mild burn, gradually tans to olive.

• Type IV (scores 25-30) Olive, moderate brown.

o Rarely burns, tans with ease to a moderate brown.

· Type V (scores over 30) Brown, dark brown.

o Very rarely burns, tans very easily

• Type VI Black, very dark brown to black.

o Never burns, tans very easily, deeply pigmented. With this information, the App could read the barcode, and the SPF number and skin type (1 to 6) could be programmed into the wristband.

This allows the wearer to scan a sunscreen be protected and to change the sunscreen at any time and the new information uploaded to the wristband at any time.

In a further embodiment, the wristband indicator may have the SPF number printed or embossed on it, for example, the wristband may have on it SPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 50. This allows the user to match the wristband to their chosen Sun protection. For example, a user may purchase SPF 30 Sun protection; they would then purchase the wristband indicator that matches the SPF of their Sun protection, in this example 30.

The wristband indicator circuit may be programmed to match the most sensitive skin type, i.e. a Fitzpatrick skin type 1 . In another embodiment of the invention, the wristband indicator circuit could be programmed to match other skin types from Fitzpatrick skin type 1 to 6. This allows users with different skin types to use the wristband indicator more accurately in the sun.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the wristband indicator circuit could be programmed to allow for a sunbather not applying enough Sun protection. For example, if it was statistically known that 30% of sunbathers apply only 70% of the recommended sun protection, an allowance in the indictor timing/monitoring circuitry could be made to compensate for this failure, thus offering a higher level of indication to users.

In another embodiment of the current invention, it is known that Ultra Violet radiation intensity is higher between 12 noon and 3pm, and that a person receives 100% more radiation intensity between these hours. Thus the wristband indicator circuit could be programmed to allow for a sunbather bathing in these hours and a factor Applied to the timing to allow for this.

The formula used for reapplication of sunscreen is based on the World Health Organisation's published WHO data table "UV index and Standard Erythemal Dose")

The time to reapplication based on SPF15 and UVI=5 is 3 hours 45 minutes based on the following calculation:

^■ Duration of exposure equivalent to 1 SED at UV index of 5 = 30 minutes (based on published WHO data table "UV index and Standard Erythemal Dose")

^■ SPF 15 = 15 minutes x 30 = 450 minutes.

^■ 450 minutes x UVR (factor to account for variation in UV radiation intensity) of 50% = 225 minutes (3 hours 45 minutes). A further factor could be applied to allow for known skin type.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the wristband indicator is pre-set to account for factors such as the SPF of the sun protection within the packaging and / or the target skin type for the material. Whilst user Applied settings are a possibility - particularly for example to make user specific changes - an absence of controls to operate makes matters easier for the user who has does not have to adjust the wristband indicator for the basic factors such as SPF and / or general skin type. In general, it is advantageous to have a wristband indicator that is pre-programmed for the SPF factor and / or the target skin type.

It is also advantageous to have a wristband UV radiation indicator that can be programmed via a computer or mobile device App that can also program the SPF and skin type either manually on screen or automatically via the barcode or by using a Quick Response Code, (QR code) Near Field Communication (NFC) label or via a website, as both the QR code, NFC label and a website can contain the same information as the barcode could have about the product. Thus the sunscreen container would have a barcode that contains information about the sunscreen it contains, the mobile App would have pre-set information already programed into it about the sunscreen product and its corresponding barcode. The scanner would scan the barcode and the information about the sunscreen would be entered into the program in the wristband and program it with SPF data and maybe skin type data, thus saving the wearer having to manually enter this information.

When the wristband is worn by the user, it would monitor Ultra Violet radiation and could collect data like different UVI's through the day as well as what time the UVI was monitored. This data could be transferred back to the mobile App when being charged, and supply salient data for view back by the wearer, such as how much exposure they've had to UV, the amount of vitamin D they have received (as there is a direct correlation between UV and vitamin D) the potential risk to sunburn could also be displayed as a graph on the computer screen or mobile App screen.

The connection from the mobile phone or computer to the wristband that allows data to be either added to the wristband or data transferred from the wristband back to the mobile phone or computer can be via different methods. Bluetooth, a physical connection via jacks/plugs, induction coupling or via NFC. Thus, viewed from another aspect of the invention there is provided a package comprising (a) a container of sun protection material and (b) a UV radiation wristband indicator that provides an indication that a user has received a predetermined dose of UV radiation when using the sun protection material, the wristband indicator being pre- set to take into account the sun protection factor of the material.

A further optional feature is that if a user goes for a swim, the wristband indicator can be instructed that this has happened. For example a section on the wristband indicator housing could have internal or external sensors that detect water automatically, and when activated takes into account the user is going swimming and adjusts the time so the alarm goes off sooner. Alternatively, a user operated control may be used to indicate that the user intends to enter water. The wristband indicator could assume a certain amount of protection degradation from swimming. The electronic monitoring circuit may be powered by a small primary or rechargeable battery, or powered and charged by a UV detector that includes an energy harvesting technology such as a solar cell module, or Seebeck (thermoelectric device) or mainspring and motion work device (small dynamo) or an inductive coil separate or on the circuit board used to charge the device via inductance. In the latter case, if a rechargeable battery is included that is powered by an energy harvesting technology the wristband indicator can continue to perform calculations and store data even if not exposed to the sun. In preferred embodiments the circuit board footprint is made very small using surface mount technology. Light containing UV and light enters through the top locking section of the housing, then passes through the housing, then onto the solar cell and the UV sensor. The top section fixes to the housing via the hole in the band. The top section locks itself into the housing to stop it coming apart via a smaller slot in the silicon and metal strip inside the silicone. The slot in the metal strip is slightly smaller than the head of the top section of the housing. The upper and lower housing lock or go together with an over mould on the outside to form a water resistant seal to protect the circuit board inside.

In a further embodiment, Light containing UV and light enters through the button section of the band, then passes through the housing, then onto the solar cell and the UV sensor. The button fixes to the housing via the hole in the band. The button forms part of the housing. The upper and lower housing lock or screw together with a gasket in between to form a water resistant seal to protect the circuit board inside. An over mould process as mentioned previously could also be used to combine and seal the top and bottom housing together, this would save using a gasket or other seal.

Some embodiments of various aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: In another embodiment, an omnidirectional reflector is put in place in front of the UV sensor to focus solar radiation onto the UV sensor from various angles.

In another embodiment, the UV monitoring circuit board could have an Near Field Communication (NFC) modem and antenna added to the circuit board. This would allow the UV monitoring circuit board to be programmed with data directly from an external NFC label or tag that could be attached to a sunscreen container. The NFC label on the sunscreen could contain data regarding SPF and or skin type data that then programs the UV monitoring circuit board and thus change time to reapplication. In a further embodiment, the NFC antenna can in addition also allow the rechargeable battery to be charged via a separate inductive charging unit.

Figures 1 , 2, 3, and 4 shows component parts of the wristband and the mobile phone Apps. Fig. 1

A. The wristband with housed circuit

B. The wristband with housed circuit

C. The silicon band

D. The silicon band

E. The housing for the circuit

F. The window for UV and light to enter and locking section into the wristband

G. Silicon covering the metal inside it

H. Bi-metal strip spring metal

J. The slot in the metal band K. The slot in the silicon band that is smaller than the metal slot Fig. 2

A. Over mould

B. The window for UV and light to enter and locking section into the wristband

C. Upper housing

D. Membrane switch cover

E. The two level circuit board

F. The top section of the circuit board

G. The bottom section of the circuit board

H. Tactile switch

J. Lower housing

Fig. 3

A. Barcode label on sunscreen product

B. The mobile phone

C. The wristband

D. The mobile App screens Fig. 4.

A. The button.

B. The band.

C. The top of the housing.

D. The electronic monitoring circuit.

E. The bottom of the housing.

F. The slotted hole in the band

G. Sun rays/light

H. Housing

J. The band.

K. The UV and Solar cell on the circuit board

Claims

CLAIMS:

A radiation monitoring wristband, the wristband comprising:

a strap comprising a bi-stable spring configured to wrap the strap around a user's wrist;

an ultraviolet detector coupled to the strap for detecting received ultraviolet radiation; and

a processor coupled to the ultraviolet detector and configured to determine a quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector, the processor being further configured to provide an indication to a user when the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector exceeds a predefined dose.

2. A radiation monitoring wristband according to claim 1 , wherein the ultraviolet detector comprises a photovoltaic cell.

3. A radiation monitoring wristband according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said processor is configured with a single, fixed predefined dose.

4. A radiation monitoring wristband according to any one of claims 1 and 2 and comprising an interface for receiving a user selected identification of a predefined dose and for providing this indication to the processor.

5. A radiation monitoring wristband according to claim 4, wherein said interface comprises a plurality of buttons.

6. A radiation monitoring wristband according to claim 4, wherein said interface is a wireless transceiver configured to receive an identification of a predefined dose from a wirelessly connected device.

7. A radiation monitoring wristband according to claim 6, wherein the wirelessly connected device is any one of a smartphone and a computer.

8. A radiation monitoring wristband according to any preceding claim, the wristband further comprising any of, a vibrator, a speaker, and a visual display, configured to indicate to the user when the first mentioned processor determines that the detected ultraviolet radiation exceeds the predefined dose.

9. A radiation monitoring wristband according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the transceiver is further configured to send a message to the wirelessly connected device when the detected ultraviolet radiation exceeds the predefined dose value.

10. A radiation monitoring wristband according to any preceding claim, wherein said first mentioned processor is configured to reset upon attachment of the wristband to the user.

1 1. A radiation monitoring wristband as in claim 10, comprising any of a capacitive sensor and switch arranged to detect attachment of the wristband to the user.

12. A radiation monitoring wristband as in claim 11 , wherein said first mentioned processor is configured to stop determining the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector after a predetermined time following removal of the wristband from the user.

13. A radiation monitoring wristband as in any preceding claim, comprising a rechargeable battery.

14. A radiation monitoring wristband as in any preceding claim, comprising any one of a solar cell, thermoelectric device, mainspring and a motion work device, and inductive coil, configured to provide charge to the reachable battery.

15. A radiation monitoring wristband as in any preceding claim, the strap comprising a layered, flexible stainless steel bi-stable spring band sealed within a material.

16. A radiation monitoring wristband as in claim 15, said material being any one of fabric, plastic, rubber and silicon.

17. A radiation monitoring wristband according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising an omnidirectional reflector disposed in front to said ultraviolet detector and configured to guide light to the ultraviolet detector across a range of angles of incidence.

A radiation monitoring system comprising:

a wristband comprising:

a strap configured to wrap around a user's wrist;

an ultraviolet detector coupled to the strap for detecting received ultraviolet radiation;

a wireless transceiver configured to receive an identification of a predefined dose from a wirelessly connected device; and a processor coupled to the ultraviolet detector and configured to determine a quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector, the processor being further configured to provide an indication to a user when the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector exceeds the predefined dose; and

a portable computer device comprising:

an interface for receiving an identification of a predefined dose; and a wireless transceiver configured to send the identification of a predefined dose to the wristband.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein said strap comprises a bi-stable spring configured to wrap the strap around the user's wrist.

20. The system according to claim 18 or 19, the interface of the portable computer device comprising a camera configured to read printed information representing said identification of a predefined dose.

21. The system according to claim 18 or 19, the interface of the portable computer device comprising a graphical user interface for receiving a user input of said identification of a predefined dose.

22. A method of operating the system of any one of claims 18 to 21 , the method comprising:

inputting an identification of a predefined dose into a portable computer device; sending the identification of the predefined dose to a wristband having an ultraviolet detector, the identification usable by the wristband in determining when to provide an indication to a user that the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector has exceeded the predefined dose.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the identification of the predefined dose is input into the portable computer device by any one of:

scanning a barcode, Quick Response Code, or Near Field Communication/RFID associated with a sun protection material container; and typing the identification of the predefined dose into a user interface of the portable electronic device.

24. A computer program comprising computer readable code which, when run on a portable computer device, causes the portable computer device to behave as a portable computer device as claimed in the system of claim 18 to 21 .

A radiation monitoring wristband, the wristband comprising:

a strap configured to wrap around a user's wrist;

a processor coupled to the ultraviolet detector and configured to determine a quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector, the processor being further configured to provide an indication to a user when the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector exceeds a predefined dose; and

a contactless reader for reading data from a tag, the data providing an identification of said predefined dose, and for providing that data to said processor.

26. A radiation monitoring wristband according to claim 25, wherein said contactless reader is an NFC or RFID reader. A radiation monitoring wristband, the wristband comprising:

a strap configured to wrap around a user's wrist;

a processor coupled to the ultraviolet detector and configured to determine a quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector, the processor being further configured to provide an indication to a user when the quantity of ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector exceeds a predefined dose;

a rechargeable battery for supplying power to components of the wristband; and a solar cell for generating and supplying charge to said rechargeable battery.

A radiation monitoring wristband, the wristband comprising:

a strap configured to wrap around a user's wrist;

an omnidirectional reflector disposed in front to said ultraviolet detector and configured to guide light to the ultraviolet detector across a range of angles of incidence.