Lighting device for photodynamic therapy, method for treating skin diseases, and method of operating the lighting device.

Abstract

An illumination device (100) for photodynamic therapy is provided, the illumination device comprising at least one electromagnetic radiation emitting unit (10), the at least one electromagnetic radiation emitting unit having at least one electromagnetic radiation source (1), the electromagnetic radiation source configured to generate radiation for irradiating an area of ​​an irradiation target during an illumination time, the irradiation target being located at a predetermined target position (300), the predetermined target position (300) being positioned at a distance relative to a radiation output area (11) of the electromagnetic radiation emitting unit (10), and the radiation generated by the at least one electromagnetic radiation source (1) exiting the electromagnetic radiation emitting unit (10) through the radiation output area (11) during operation of the illumination device (100).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to lighting devices for photodynamic therapy and methods for treating skin diseases. Furthermore, this disclosure also relates to methods for operating lighting devices, as well as computer program products and computer-readable media. [Background technology]

[0002] Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been widely studied and has been successfully used in several approaches. Generally, PDT requires three elements: a photosensitizer, molecular oxygen, and light of a specific wavelength. In dermatological PDT, a prodrug, such as aminolevulinic acid (ALA), is typically applied to the skin. The prodrug is then converted into the actual photosensitizer by cells (e.g., tumor cells). The mechanism of action of PDT is based on the uptake, synthesis, and accumulation of the photosensitizer into cells. The photosensitizer is excited by light of a specific wavelength, and in the presence of oxygen, this can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can induce cell death in the form of apoptosis, necrosis, or autophagy.

[0003] However, one major problem preventing PDT from being widely accepted by patients is that the pain patients experience during irradiation is relatively significant, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain that forces them to discontinue treatment. Also, although PDT is a very effective treatment, recurrence is not uncommon for some conditions such as actinic keratosis, meaning that even if treatment is successful, other lesions may develop in other areas of the skin later, requiring further medical intervention. Furthermore, some patients do not achieve complete recovery with one PDT treatment and require a second treatment. Despite the high efficacy of PDT compared to other treatments, if the pain from the first PDT treatment is very severe, the likelihood of starting or completing a second PDT treatment decreases. As a result, many patients become resistant to treatment or retreatment. This is, of course, a major negative factor for individual PDT treatments and PDT as a whole.

[0004] However, the effectiveness of PDT is limited by any of the factors involved, such as the photosensitizer, oxygen, and light. If any of these factors become unavailable, ROS formation may be impaired. Optimized drug form, pretreatment, and incubation methods ensure proper and abundant deposition of the photosensitizer. However, sufficient light must reach the molecules, and oxygen must be present as an energy acceptor.

[0005] In particular, it is necessary to ensure that sufficient amounts of illumination light of wavelengths suitable for activating each photosensitizer are available. In the case of topical application, the photosensitizer most frequently used is protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which is mainly produced in skin cells by the application of precursor molecules such as ALA. PpIX can be activated by various different wavelengths of light, although red (approximately 635 nm), blue (approximately 420 nm), yellow (approximately 542 nm), or green (approximately 506 nm) light is most frequently used. In general, the amount of light received by the target (e.g., the skin being treated) depends on three main factors: the irradiance provided by the illumination device, the distance between the target area and the illumination device, and the duration of illumination.

[0006] Currently, it is common practice to irradiate with the full light intensity for a short period (e.g., 7-12 minutes with red light, 15-20 minutes with blue light). This method is usually limited by the occurrence of pain. Furthermore, photobleaching of photosensitizers is more likely to occur at higher light intensities, which may limit treatment efficiency. Photobleaching describes the effect of inactivation of photosensitizers by permanent destruction of their chemical structure, such as the cleavage of covalent bonds. This photobleaching effect may coincide with the temporary oxygen deprivation of the target tissue due to a large-scale initial reaction. As a result, the oxygen necessary for ROS production decreases rapidly. Photobleaching that occurs at an oxygen-limited stage is considered entirely unproductive because it produces little cytotoxic singlet oxygen.

[0007] Please note that the above statements should not be interpreted as an acknowledgment of prior art. These are merely included to explain the background of the concepts disclosed herein and may not yet be publicly available. [Overview of the project]

[0008] One objective to be achieved is to provide an improved lighting device for photodynamic therapy. A further objective to be achieved is to provide a method for treating skin diseases in which such a lighting device is used. Another further objective to be achieved is to provide a method for operating such a lighting device.

[0009] Each objective can be achieved, in particular, by the subject matter of claims 1, 17, and 18. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. However, in addition to those currently claimed, further advantageous concepts can be disclosed herein.

[0010] First, identify the lighting equipment in more detail.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device comprises at least one electromagnetic radiation emission unit. "At least one" means that the lighting device may comprise one or more radiation emission units. All features disclosed below for one radiation emission unit are similarly disclosed for all other radiation emission units of the lighting device, or for only some of the radiation emission units of the lighting device. The radiation emitted by the radiation emission unit is, for example, radiation in the visible wavelength range.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation emission unit comprises at least one electromagnetic radiation source. This means that the electromagnetic radiation emission unit may comprise one or more electromagnetic radiation sources, in particular multiple radiation sources. All features disclosed below for one electromagnetic radiation source are similarly disclosed for all or some of the electromagnetic radiation sources in the radiation emission unit or lighting device.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation source is configured to generate radiation for irradiating a region of an object to be irradiated during an illumination time. Thus, the electromagnetic radiation source is an element of an electromagnetic radiation emitting unit that generates the radiation emitted by the radiation emitting unit. The object to be irradiated is, for example, a mammal, such as a human. The region of the object to be irradiated is, for example, a human skin region. The illumination time lasts, for example, for at most about 30 minutes.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment, the object to be irradiated will be arranged, for example, at a predetermined object position during the illumination time. The predetermined object position is preferably a spatial region or a point in space spaced apart from the illumination device and / or the radiation emitting unit. During the intended operation, the region of the object to be irradiated is at or within the predetermined object position, for example, completely located inside. Also, the region of the object to be irradiated is spaced apart from the illumination device and / or the radiation emitting unit during the intended operation.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment, the predetermined object position is arranged at a distance from the radiation output region of the radiation emitting unit where the radiation generated by at least one electromagnetic radiation source during the operation of the illumination device exits the radiation emitting unit. Here, the distance between two objects is defined as the shortest connection between the two objects. For example, during the illumination time, the distance between the predetermined object position and the output region is one or more of the following values: 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm. In addition to or instead of this, the distance may also be one or less of the following values: 800 mm, 700 mm, 600 mm, 500 mm, 400 mm, 300 mm, 100 mm, 80 mm. Similarly, the distance between the irradiation region of the object to be irradiated and the radiation output region may have these values during the illumination time.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the lighting device for photodynamic therapy comprises at least one electromagnetic radiation emission unit, the at least one electromagnetic radiation emission unit having at least one electromagnetic radiation source, the electromagnetic radiation source configured to generate radiation to irradiate a region of the object to be irradiated during the lighting time. The object to be irradiated is placed at a predetermined target position. The predetermined target position is located at a distance from the radiation output area of ​​the radiation emission unit from which the radiation generated by the at least one electromagnetic radiation source exits the radiation emission unit during the operation of the lighting device.

[0017] As mentioned above, pain reduction is a critical concern in order to increase the overall acceptance level of PDT treatment and to increase the use of this excellent treatment. One important step in achieving this goal is to improve the effectiveness of PDT by improving, for example, the homogeneity or uniformity of irradiation to the skin. In this way, the probability that one or several sessions will be sufficient to treat the affected skin area increases. Furthermore, increased homogeneity also reduces the possibility of photobleaching in specific areas.

[0018] The illumination device disclosed herein achieves improvements in the amount of light received by the target, particularly in terms of irradiation homogeneity, as will be described in detail below. For example, homogeneity can already be improved by using multiple radiation sources.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emission unit comprises a plurality of radiation sources arranged on a common radiation source carrier. The radiation source carrier is part of the radiation emission unit. The radiation source carrier is, for example, a continuously formed carrier. The carrier may have a continuous surface on which the plurality of radiation sources are arranged. The radiation source carrier may be freestanding. The radiation source carrier supports the radiation sources arranged on it.

[0020] As an example, the radiation source carrier is plate-shaped and has two opposing main surfaces. All radiation sources on the radiation source carrier are arranged, for example, on the same main surface of the carrier. In a plan view of the main surface side, the radiation source carrier may have a rectangular shape.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment, the occupancy density of radiation source carriers with respect to the radiation source varies across or along the radiation source carriers.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment, the occupancy density of the radiation source carriers with respect to the radiation source is smaller in the central region of the radiation source carriers than in the peripheral region of the radiation source carriers outside the central region. The central and peripheral regions are, in particular, the regions on the main surface side of the radiation source carriers where the radiation source is located.

[0023] The occupancy density of radiation sources can be defined as the number of radiation sources per area. For example, the occupancy density of the peripheral area is at least 1.2 times, at least 1.5 times, or at least 2 times that of the central area. In addition to or instead of this, the occupancy density of the peripheral area may be at most 5 times or at most 3 times that of the central area. The occupancy density in the central area is, for example, 5 / (100cm²). 2 )~50 / (100cm 2 )

[0024] One of the major problems with PDT is the uniformity of illumination, which can be divided into several subcategories. First, there is the uniformity of the irradiated light, which is particularly problematic on irregular or contoured surfaces such as the human face. According to Lambert's law of cosines, light that strikes the treatment area at an angle other than 90 degrees has a significantly reduced amount of energy transmitted to the skin. Light emitted from a planar light source is always at an oblique angle to certain parts of the face (e.g., the sides of the nose), which is especially important when treating the face. As a result, an illumination gradient usually occurs, and certain areas may be relatively over-irradiated while other areas do not receive enough light, which may adversely affect the effectiveness of PDT. If insufficient energy is supplied, the generation of cytotoxic singlet oxygen will not be sufficient, leading to cell death and a decrease in the effectiveness of PDT. If a lot of energy is used in a short time, photobleaching of the photosensitizer occurs, and the therapeutic effect is clearly reduced.

[0025] By configuring the light source with a low occupancy density in the central region and a high occupancy density in the peripheral region, the uniformity of illumination can also be improved.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation source carrier is a conductive carrier such as a printed circuit board. The radiation source may be electrically connected via the radiation source carrier.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation source carrier has a metal core or a metal alloy core, in particular, to guide the heat generated during the operation of the radiation source away from the radiation source.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment, all radiation sources in a radiation emission unit and / or lighting device are designed to produce radiation of the same or essentially the same color or peak wavelength. The peak wavelength is the wavelength at which the emission spectrum of the light source is globally maximum. "Essentially the same" means the same within the range of manufacturing tolerances, for example, with a maximum deviation of 5%. For example, the maximum deviation of the peak wavelength of the radiation sources is at most 10 nm or at most 5 nm.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment, all radiation sources in a radiation emission unit and / or lighting device are configured similarly. For example, the radiation sources are of the same type, composed of the same materials, and / or manufactured in the same way.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation sources are arranged on the radiation source carrier in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional pattern. In particular, in the case of a two-dimensional pattern, all radiation sources on the radiation source carrier may be arranged on the intersections of grid lines of a rectangular grid (a pattern having a simple rectangular grid). This means, in particular, that the centers of the radiation sources or radiation-emitting tips of the radiation sources lie on their respective intersections. In the case of a one-dimensional pattern, all radiation sources may be arranged on a straight line.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment, the pattern is irregular. This means that the pattern changes across radiation source carriers. For example, the fundamental translation vector of a pattern that transfers one radiation source to an adjacent radiation source changes across radiation source carriers. In particular, one or both fundamental translation vectors in the central region are different from the fundamental translation vectors in the peripheral region.

[0032] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation source carrier is a long carrier having a principal extension direction that defines the longitudinal direction.

[0033] The direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and parallel to the main plane of extension of the radiation source carrier is called the transverse direction.

[0034] For example, the distance between adjacent radiation sources measured along the vertical direction varies along the vertical direction. The distance between each pair of adjacent radiation sources measured along the horizontal direction may be the same throughout the radiation source carrier. For example, the basic translation vectors of the grid lines or patterns of a rectangular grid run parallel to the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment, the central region of the radiation source carrier with low occupation density is located between the peripheral regions along the longitudinal direction.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment, the pattern is symmetrical with respect to one axis, for example, an axis along the transverse and / or longitudinal directions, or two mutually orthogonal axes. For example, one of these axes runs parallel to the longitudinal direction, while the other axis runs parallel to the transverse direction. The pattern may have point symmetry with respect to the geometric center of the radiation source carrier.

[0037] According to at least one embodiment, radiation sources on a radiation source carrier are grouped into multiple groups, the radiation sources in each group are arranged in a regular group pattern, and at least two of the multiple groups have different group patterns. In the regular pattern, the basic translation vectors do not change across the groups. The different group patterns differ from each other, for example, with respect to one or two basic translation vectors. For example, each radiation source on a radiation source carrier is assigned to one group.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment, at least two groups, in particular all groups, have the same number of radiation source carriers.

[0039] According to at least one embodiment, each group has, for example, 4 to 40 or 10 to 25 radiation sources.

[0040] According to at least one embodiment, at least two of the multiple groups have the same group pattern. In particular, the basic translation vectors are the same in the two groups.

[0041] According to at least one embodiment, in a plan view of the radiation source carrier, a first group having the first group pattern is arranged between the second group and the third group. For example, the first group is arranged along the longitudinal direction between the second group and the third group. For example, each radiation source in the radiation source carrier is assigned to one of the three groups.

[0042] According to at least one embodiment, the second and third groups have the same group pattern, while the first group has a different group pattern. In particular, the first group is assigned to the central region and / or has a low occupancy density with the radiation source, while the second and third groups are assigned to the peripheral region and / or have a high occupancy density with the radiation source. The relative difference in occupancy density between the central and peripheral regions described above can also be found for the first group and the second and third groups.

[0043] According to at least one embodiment, the group pattern is one-dimensional or two-dimensional.

[0044] According to at least one embodiment, each group consists of one or more rows of radiation sources. For example, a group is configured to have two to five rows. The rows may extend parallel to each other laterally.

[0045] According to at least one embodiment, each group has one or more columns of radiation sources. For example, a group is configured to have four to ten columns. The columns may extend parallel to the vertical direction.

[0046] According to at least one embodiment, at least two groups or all groups have the same number of radiation sources. For example, the second group and the third group have the same number of radiation sources. The first group may also have the same number of radiation sources.

[0047] According to at least one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent groups is greater than the characteristic distance between two rows of radiation sources, e.g., the maximum distance, minimum distance, or average distance, and / or greater than the characteristic distance between two columns of radiation sources in one or both adjacent groups. The distance between two adjacent groups may also be the minimum distance between two radiation sources in these two adjacent groups.

[0048] For example, the distance between each pair of adjacent radiation sources within a single group is between 5 mm and 40 mm. The distance between two adjacent groups is, for example, between 20 mm and 80 mm.

[0049] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation source carrier has a carrier edge, which divides the radiation source carrier, for example, in a longitudinal and / or transverse direction.

[0050] According to at least one embodiment, the distance between the group closest to the carrier edge and the carrier edge is smaller than the distance between two adjacent radiation sources in this group, which are positioned one behind the other in the direction away from the carrier edge. The distance between the carrier edge and the group is defined by the distance between the carrier edge and the radiation source of the group closest to the carrier edge.

[0051] According to at least one embodiment, the distance between the group closest to the carrier edge and the carrier edge is smaller than the distance between two adjacent radiation sources in this group that are positioned one behind the other in a direction along the carrier edge (which may be longitudinal).

[0052] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emission unit comprises a unit housing that defines the outer edge of the radiation emission unit. For example, the outer edge defines the radiation emission unit in the lateral direction. The housing may include or consist of metal or plastic. The radiation source carrier is, for example, mechanically connected to and supported by the unit housing. In a plan view of the main surface side of the radiation source carrier, the unit housing may completely surround the radiation source carrier, for example, in the lateral direction.

[0053] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emission unit comprises a plurality of radiation source carriers, each radiation source carrier having a plurality of radiation sources. All features disclosed above and below with respect to one radiation source carrier shall also be disclosed for all or some of the radiation source carriers of the radiation emission unit and / or lighting device. The radiation source carriers are arranged, for example, such that their main extension directions run parallel to each other. For example, the radiation source carriers are arranged front to back along transverse directions running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0054] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation source carrier closest to the outer edge is oriented such that the principal radiation direction of the radiation source on this radiation source carrier is shifted outward or tilted outward relative to the principal radiation direction of the radiation source on another radiation source carrier further away from the outer edge. The principal radiation direction is the direction in which the radiation intensity or light intensity is globally maximum. "Shifted outward" means, in particular, that the principal radiation direction of the radiation source on the radiation source carrier closest to the outer edge is tilted more strongly toward the outer edge than the principal radiation direction of the radiation source on another radiation source carrier. For example, the principal radiation direction of the radiation source on the radiation source carrier closest to the outer edge is tilted at least 5°, at least 10°, or at least 20° toward the outer edge relative to the principal radiation direction of the radiation source on another radiation source carrier. That is, the principal radiation directions of the radiation sources on different radiation source carriers of the radiation emission unit may be different. The closer to the outer edge, the more the principal radiation direction may be tilted toward the outer edge and / or away from the principal radiation direction of the radiation source on a more centrally located radiation source carrier.

[0055] According to at least one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent radiation sources of a radiation emission unit, in particular the distance between each pair of two adjacent radiation sources of a radiation emission unit, is one or more of the following values: 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm.

[0056] According to at least one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent radiation sources of a radiation emission unit, in particular the distance between each pair of two adjacent radiation sources of a radiation emission unit, is less than or equal to one of the following values: 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm.

[0057] According to at least one embodiment, the area occupied by the radiation source on the radiation source carrier is at least 200 cm². 2 or at least 300cm 2 In addition to or instead of this, the area is no more than 600 cm². 2 Or at most 500cm 2For example, the area is at most 28 cm × 16 cm and / or at least 22 cm × 10 cm, for example 26 cm × 12 cm. The area is limited or defined by the location of the outermost radiation source.

[0058] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emission unit has one continuous radiation source carrier common to all radiation sources in the radiation emission unit.

[0059] According to at least one embodiment, the surface area of ​​the radiation source carrier is at least 300 cm². 2 and / or at most 600cm 2 For example, the area is at least 24 cm × 14 cm and / or at most 30 cm × 18 cm, for example 28 cm × 16 cm. The surface of the radiation source carrier is the surface on which the radiation source is placed.

[0060] According to at least one embodiment, at least two, for example, adjacent, radiation source carriers of a radiation emission unit are arranged at an angle to each other. In particular, the vertical axes of the carriers, running perpendicular to the principal plane of extension of the carriers, are angled to each other. As an example, the angle between the vertical axes of two radiation source carriers is at least 5°, at least 10°, or at least 20°. In particular, the vertical axis of a radiation source carrier is parallel to or essentially parallel to the principal radiation direction of the radiation source of that radiation source carrier.

[0061] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation source carriers of a radiation emission unit have fixed relative positions to each other. Alternatively, the radiation source carriers of a radiation emission unit may be movable relative to each other, in particular, tiltable. The relative movement may be performed manually. Alternatively, the radiation emission unit may have one or more actuators assigned to and configured to move the radiation source carriers. These actuators may be controllable by an electronic control unit of the lighting device. In this way, automatic movement of the radiation source carriers relative to each other can be achieved.

[0062] According to at least one embodiment, at least one radiation source is an optoelectronic component, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) and / or a surface-mountable component. All features disclosed herein and herein by reference to at least one radiation source shall also be disclosed herein by reference to all or some of the radiation sources in the lighting device.

[0063] According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic component includes a semiconductor chip. The optoelectronic component may consist of exactly one semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip may be based on a III-V compound semiconductor material such as AlGaInN, AlGaInP, AlGaInAs, or a binary or ternary subsystem thereof. The semiconductor chip may be a surface emitter, in particular a so-called thin-film chip, from which the growth substrate of the semiconductor material has been removed. Alternatively, the semiconductor chip may be a so-called volume emitter, in which the growth substrate is still part of the semiconductor chip.

[0064] According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic component includes a chip carrier on which a semiconductor chip is placed. The chip carrier may be penetrated by through-connections that electrically connect the semiconductor chip on the front side of the chip carrier to the contact pads on the back side of the chip carrier.

[0065] According to at least one embodiment, the chip carrier comprises a ceramic material such as AlN or Al2O3. This is advantageous in terms of heat dissipation.

[0066] According to at least one embodiment, the chip carrier is a cavity-free or plain chip carrier. In this case, the chip carrier does not surround the semiconductor chip laterally.

[0067] According to at least one embodiment, the semiconductor chip is embedded in a encapsulant. The encapsulant may include silicon, epoxy, resin, or a composite thereof. The semiconductor chip may be laterally surrounded by the encapsulant. The encapsulant may cover the radiation-emitting surface of the semiconductor chip. The radiation-emitting surface faces away from the chip carrier.

[0068] According to at least one embodiment, the encapsulant is lens-shaped. In particular, the encapsulant may be shaped to collimate light or radiation emitted by the semiconductor chip. For example, the encapsulant reduces the opening angle of the emitted radiation / light.

[0069] According to at least one embodiment, the semiconductor chip is a light-emitting diode chip (LED-chip).

[0070] According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic component has lateral dimensions of at most 5 mm x 5 mm. The thickness of the optoelectronic component is, for example, at most 4 mm.

[0071] According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic component has a luminous efficacy of one or more of the following values: 60 lm / W, 70 lm / W, 75 lm / W, 80 lm / W, 85 lm / W, 90 lm / W, 100 lm / W. In addition to or instead of this, the luminous efficacy is one or less of the following values: 200 lm / W, 180 lm / W, 160 lm / W, 140 lm / W, 120 lm / W. For example, the luminous efficacy is in the range of 100 lm / W or more and 120 lm / W or less. For example, the luminous efficacy is measured at an operating current of 350 mA. The luminous efficacy is defined as the ratio of the luminous flux Φ ν to the radiant flux Φ ε and is defined as the ratio of

[0072] According to at least one embodiment, for intended operation, the optoelectronic component operates at one or more of the following operating currents: 400 mA, 450 mA, 500 mA, 550 mA, 600 mA, 750 mA, 850 mA, 950 mA.

[0073] According to at least one embodiment, for intended operation, the optoelectronic component operates at one or less of the following operating currents: 1300 mA, 1200 mA, 1100 mA, 1000 mA, 900 mA, 850 mA, 800 mA, 750 mA, 700 mA, 650 mA, 600 mA.

[0074] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emitting unit includes the number of radiation sources or optoelectronic components that is one or more of any of the following: 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45.

[0075] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emitting unit includes the number of radiation sources or optoelectronic components that is one or less of any of the following: 60, 55, 50, 45.

[0076] According to at least one embodiment, the luminescence characteristics or radiant intensity of the optoelectronic component have a maximum value at an emission angle of less than 20°, less than 10°, or less than 5°, for example, 0°. The angle is measured in particular with respect to an axis running perpendicular to the principal extending surface of the optoelectronic component or the principal extending surface of each semiconductor chip.

[0077] According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic component emits a major portion of its radiated power, for example, at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 90%, under an opening angle (emission angle range) of 90° or less, 85° or less, or 80° or less.

[0078] According to at least one embodiment, the emission spectrum of the optoelectronic component has a peak wavelength in one of the following ranges: 634 nm ± 4 nm, 635 nm ± 5 nm, 542 nm ± 4 nm, 506 nm ± 4 nm, 417 nm ± 5 nm. In particular, this peak wavelength is obtained when the operating temperature of the optoelectronic component is 50°C or less, for example 25°C, and the operating current is 100 mA or more and 1000 mA or less. The halfbandwidth of the spectrum is, for example, at least 10 nm and / or at most 20 nm, for example 16 nm.

[0079] According to at least one embodiment, the temperature-induced maximum variation of the peak wavelength of the emission spectrum of the optoelectronic component is less than or equal to one of the following values: 15 nm, 12 nm, 10 nm. This applies to a temperature range of -40°C to 130°C and an operating current of 350 mA.

[0080] According to at least one embodiment, the relative luminous flux Φ of the optoelectronic component ν / Φ ν(25℃) The maximum temperature-induced variation is less than or equal to one of the following values: 1.0, 0.9. This applies to a temperature range of -40°C to 130°C and an operating current of 350 mA.

[0081] In fact, another aspect that hinders uniform illumination is the ability of the radiation source to emit light of the same wavelength and irradiance throughout the entire treatment period. In the case of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), for example, changes in the LED temperature can cause changes in their emission characteristics in either direction, and depending on the exact type of LED, one or both of the radiant flux and / or peak emission wavelength may increase or decrease. Changes in radiant flux change the irradiance, which can have adverse effects for the same reasons mentioned above. Changes in wavelength can move the emission spectrum away from the absorption band of, for example, PpIX, resulting in the same effect as a lack of supplied energy. A lack of absorbed energy by PpIX also reduces the production of cytotoxic singlet oxygen, which has a similar adverse effect on the success of the treatment.

[0082] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation source has a full width half maximum (FWHM) of emission peaks having a peak wavelength of at most 30 nm, at most 25 nm, or at most 20 nm. In addition to or alternatively, the bandwidth is at least 5 nm or at least 10 nm.

[0083] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation output region of a radiation emission unit is a discontinuous region formed by the radiation output surface of the optoelectronic component. This means that the radiation output region is not a homogeneous emission surface, but rather consists of multiple spatially separated emission spots assigned to the radiation source from which radiation is emitted. In the regions of the radiation output region between the radiation spots, there is less radiation, or for example, no radiation is emitted at all.

[0084] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation output area is formed by a cover plate of the radiation emission unit that covers all the radiation sources of the radiation emission unit, particularly when viewed in a plan view of the cover plate. The cover plate is formed of a transparent material, such as glass or plexiglass, for example, cast plexiglass. The cover plate may form a heat shield for the patient. The heat shield can absorb or deflect the thermal radiation emitted by the radiation sources and thus protect the patient from this heat. The cover plate may have a thickness of 2 mm ± 0.6 mm.

[0085] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device comprises a plurality of radiation-emitting units that are operably connected to one another. For example, the radiation-emitting units are pivotally connected to one another. For example, the radiation-emitting units are connected to one another via hinges.

[0086] According to at least one embodiment, multiple radiation emission units are connected in a straight line. This means that the radiation emission units are arranged front to back along a straight line.

[0087] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emission units are pivotable relative to one another about a pivot axis, which is parallel or essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction defined by the principal extension direction of one radiation source carrier. "Essentially parallel" means, for example, that they are tilted relative to one another by at most 5° or at most 2°.

[0088] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emission units are aligned such that the principal extension directions of the radiation source carriers in each radiation emission unit are parallel to each other. Preferably, all principal extension directions of the radiation source carriers in one radiation emission unit, or in all radiation emission units, are parallel to each other or essentially parallel.

[0089] According to at least one embodiment, radiation emission units are connected so that they can pivot relative to adjacent radiation emission units by at least 20°, at least 30°, at least 45°, at least 60°, or at least 90°. In addition to or instead of this, radiation emission units can pivot relative to adjacent radiation emission units by a range of at most 170° or at most 150°.

[0090] According to at least one embodiment, all radiation emission units of a lighting device are configured identically. This naturally means they are identical within the manufacturing tolerances. For example, all radiation emission units have the same number of radiation source carriers, the same number of radiation sources, and radiation sources of the same type (e.g., emitting radiation with the same or essentially the same peak wavelength).

[0091] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device has three or more, for example, four or more, for example, five or more radiation emission units.

[0092] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emission units are connected to one another so that they can move relative to one another in order to adjust the illumination device to irradiate non-planar surfaces, which may have different shapes. For example, the illumination device can be adjusted to irradiate a cylindrical surface or a human head, and this may be idealized. The radiation emission units can be positioned such that the radiation output area of ​​each radiation emission unit is at the same distance from all sides of the cylinder defining the cylindrical shape.

[0093] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation-emitting units can be arranged in a C-shaped configuration and / or a semicircular configuration. In particular, when arranged in a C-shaped or semicircular configuration, they can all emit radiation onto the object to be irradiated. The radiation from the radiation-emitting units may overlap at the location of the object to be irradiated. In each of the C-shaped and semicircular configurations, the angle between two adjacent radiation-emitting units is at least 100° or at least 110°, and / or at most 150° or at most 130°, and may be, for example, 120°. Such a configuration may result in, for example, more uniform illumination of a human face.

[0094] The angle between two radiation-emitting units is defined, in particular, as the angle between the output regions of the two radiation-emitting units and / or the radiation source carriers.

[0095] For example, the first radiation emission unit constitutes the central radiation emission unit. The second and third radiation emission units are each positioned adjacent to the first radiation emission unit on the left and right sides, i.e., opposite sides, and may be configured to be tilted relative to each other, for example, so that the main radiation axes of the second and third radiation emission units intersect at the target position. The angle between the second and first radiation emission units may be the same as the angle between the third and first radiation emission units. The fourth radiation emission unit may be positioned adjacent to the second radiation emission unit on its left side, i.e., on the side away from the first radiation emission unit. The fifth radiation emission unit may be positioned adjacent to the third radiation emission unit on its right side, i.e., on the side away from the first radiation emission unit. Thus, the first, second, and third radiation emission units may be positioned between the fourth and fifth radiation emission units. The fourth and fifth radiation emission units may be configured to be tilted relative to each other, for example, at the target location, such that their main radiation axes intersect. The angle between the fourth and first radiation emission units may be the same as the angle between the fifth and first radiation emission units. However, this value may be different from, for example, smaller than, the angle between the second and first radiation emission units, or between the third and first radiation emission units. The fourth and fifth radiation emission units may be tilted more or have a smaller angle relative to the first radiation emission unit than the second and third radiation emission units. For example, the output regions of the fourth and fifth radiation emission units may be more parallel or parallel than the output regions of the second and third radiation emission units.

[0096] According to at least one embodiment, the minimum angle that can be set between the fourth radiation emission unit and the second radiation emission unit, and between the third radiation emission unit and the fifth radiation emission unit, is 60° or more and 80° or less, for example, about 68°.

[0097] According to at least one embodiment, in a C-shaped configuration and / or a semicircular configuration, the distance between the output areas of the fourth and fifth radiation emission units, for example, the maximum distance or average distance, is at least 30 cm or at least 35 cm, and / or at most 50 cm or at most 55 cm. For example, the distance is 39 cm.

[0098] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emission unit comprises one or more electronic control units for controlling the operation of the lighting device.

[0099] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device includes motors configured to move the radiation-emitting units relative to each other and / or relative to the object being irradiated, for example, with respect to the mount of the radiation-emitting unit, to respect to another radiation-emitting unit of the lighting device, and / or relative to the object being irradiated. For example, the lighting device includes a plurality of motors, each uniquely assigned to one radiation-emitting unit. The motors are configured to move the radiation-emitting units relative to each other and / or relative to the object being irradiated, in particular to adjust the lighting device to uniformly irradiate a non-planar surface.

[0100] To move the radiation emission unit with the help of a motor, the electronic control unit of the lighting device may be operably coupled to the motor and configured to operate the motor according to a predetermined arrangement of the radiation emission unit.

[0101] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emission units are selectively operable to emit radiation during illumination time. In other words, the radiation emission units can be turned on and off individually and independently of each other. Preferably, the radiation intensity emitted by the radiation emission units (and therefore the irradiance of the area to be illuminated by each unit) can also be set individually for each radiation emission unit, independently of the other radiation emission units.

[0102] To achieve this, the electronic control unit of the lighting device may be operably coupled to the radiation emission unit and configured to operate the radiation emission unit, in particular the radiation source, according to a predetermined irradiation pattern.

[0103] A second important aspect regarding the uniformity of illumination is the distance between the lighting device and the object being treated. For example, when treating irregular or contoured surfaces such as a human face, the outer area of ​​the light-emitting surface of a flat lighting device will be further from the object than the spot directly located in the center of the light-emitting surface. This can be mitigated by a curved light-emitting surface, but this can result in insufficient illumination when illuminating a flat treatment area. However, even when using a curved light-emitting surface, there is a very high probability that the operator will not be able to position the patient correctly at the start of treatment or illumination, or that the patient will move during treatment. In such cases, the treatment distance may be incorrect, which may negatively affect the treatment effect.

[0104] By using multiple radiation emission units and moving them relative to each other, non-planar areas such as the human face can be treated more uniformly. Furthermore, patient displacement during or before treatment can be corrected during treatment or irradiation.

[0105] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device includes a position or distance monitoring system. The monitoring system is configured to monitor the position of an object to be irradiated from a radiation emission unit and / or the distance from the position of a given object. One distance monitoring system may be assigned to each radiation emission unit.

[0106] According to at least one embodiment, the monitoring system has a distance sensor located on the radiation source carrier of at least one radiation emission unit. In particular, each radiation emission unit of the lighting device may have at least one distance sensor assigned to each radiation emission unit. The distance sensors may be located on the radiation source carrier. All features disclosed for one distance sensor shall also be disclosed for some or all of the distance sensors of the lighting device.

[0107] The distance sensor is, for example, a time-of-flight sensor. The distance sensor may include a laser diode such as a VCSEL, a radiation receiving sensor element, and a microcontroller.

[0108] According to at least one embodiment, the distance sensor is positioned offset from the geometric center of the radiation source carrier in a plan view of the principal plane or the radiation source carrier. In particular, in a plan view, the radiation source coincides with the geometric center of the radiation source carrier. The distance sensor is offset, for example, by at most 40 mm and / or at least 5 mm from the geometric center. For example, in a plan view of the principal plane, the distance sensor is positioned between the radiation source at the geometric center of the radiation source carrier and the radiation source closest to the radiation source at the geometric center.

[0109] According to at least one embodiment, the distance monitoring system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit may be a microcontroller. The electronic control unit may be operably coupled to the motor of a lighting device and configured to operate the motor to change the relative position of a radiation emission unit. Alternatively, the electronic control unit may be operably coupled to the radiation source of the radiation emission unit and configured to operate the radiation source to change the radiation power emitted by the radiation source.

[0110] Therefore, the same electronic control unit can be used for motor control and for the selective operation of the radiation emission unit. Alternatively, there may be multiple control units, at least one for controlling the motor and at least one for the selective operation of the radiation emission unit.

[0111] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device is configured to compensate for distance or positional variations to the irradiated object from each radiation-emitting unit and / or a predetermined target position in order to maintain a predetermined radiation dose or light dose during the lighting time. Preferably, the distance between each unit and the irradiated object can be kept constant in this way. Here, the terms radiation dose and light dose are used interchangeably.

[0112] For example, a lighting device works as follows: The lighting device illuminates the target (person, etc.), -The variation from the radiation emission unit to the irradiated object is measured by the radiation emission unit's distance sensor. - The measurement signal is processed, and the electronic control unit generates a corresponding operating signal to operate the motor assigned to the radiation emission unit to compensate for distance or position variations.

[0113] According to at least one embodiment, the distance monitoring system is configured to adjust or request adjustment of the operation of a lighting device using one, any combination of, or all of the following means: - Vary the distance between each radiation emission unit and the above-mentioned irradiation target, - Adjust the radiation power emitted by each radiation emission unit, and / or -Adjust the duration of the lighting.

[0114] In particular, one or more distance sensors on the radiation emission unit measure the distance or positional variation of the irradiated object. The measurement signals indicating the distance or positional variation are processed to generate corresponding operation signals, and the electronic control unit automatically operates the radiation emission unit or the motor assigned to the radiation source of the radiation emission unit accordingly.

[0115] According to at least one embodiment, during illumination time, the distance between the radiation output area of ​​the radiation emission unit and the target position or the area of ​​the object to be irradiated is maintained at one or less of the following values: 20 cm, 15 cm, 10 cm, 8 cm, 7 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm. Alternatively or in addition, each distance is maintained at one or more of the following values: 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm. For example, the optimal distance, also referred to as the reference distance, may be 12 cm ± 1.0 cm or 12.5 cm ± 1.5 cm.

[0116] According to at least one embodiment, when the radiation emission unit is at a reference distance from the irradiated object, the area of ​​the irradiated object irradiated by the radiation emission unit of the lighting device (irradiated area) is 400 cm². 2 More than 1000cm 2 The following applies: For example, the illumination area is at most 32 cm × 26 cm and / or at least 26 cm × 20 cm, for example 29 cm × 23 cm. In particular, this may be maintained when the illumination device has a C-shaped or semicircular configuration. In particular, this is true when all radiation-emitting units of the illumination device emit radiation and each is at a reference distance. The illumination area is, in particular, an area where the irradiance from the radiation-emitting units is at least 50% or at least 75% of the maximum irradiance from the radiation-emitting units.

[0117] According to at least one embodiment, the total illumination time is one or less of the following values: 20 minutes, 19 minutes, 18 minutes, 17 minutes, 16 minutes, 15 minutes, 14 minutes, 13 minutes. Illumination times up to 20 minutes are common and generally acceptable to users. In addition to or instead of this, the duration of the total illumination time is one or more of the following values: 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes. The duration of the illumination time may be between 10 and 20 minutes, for example, 18 minutes.

[0118] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device is configured to irradiate a predetermined amount of light onto the area to be irradiated during the illumination time. The amount of light may be one or more of the following values ​​when the area to be irradiated is positioned at the target location, particularly at a reference distance from the radiation emission unit, during the illumination time: 30 J / cm² 2 ,35J / cm 2 37 J / cm 2 Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the light intensity may be less than or equal to one of the following values ​​when the object to be illuminated is positioned at the target location during the illumination time: 45 J / cm² 2 40J / cm 2 37 J / cm 2 The average or maximum irradiance may be one or more of the following values ​​when the irradiated object is positioned symmetrically (reference distance) during the irradiation time: 25 mW / cm² 2 40mW / cm 2 50mW / cm 2 Alternatively, or in addition, the average or maximum irradiance may be less than or equal to one of the following values ​​when the irradiated object is positioned symmetrically (reference distance) during the irradiation time: 75 mW / cm² 2 65mW / cm² 2 60mW / cm² 2 For example, the average or maximum irradiance when the object to be illuminated is positioned at the target location during the illumination time is 62 mW / cm². 2 or 61 mW / cm² 2 The above values ​​hold true, in particular, for red light, for example, light with a peak wavelength of 634 nm ± 4 nm at 25°C.

[0119] Sufficient light intensity is one of the crucial conditions for successful PDT. However, when selecting light intensity, the patient's maximum pain tolerance level must also be considered. (30-45 J / cm²) 2 The range of light intensity between 37 J / cm², particularly 37 J / cm². 2 The light intensity, for example when using red light, may be considered as the best compromise between sufficient therapeutic efficiency and pain burden. In addition to or instead of this, 25 mW / cm² 2 ~75mW / cm 2 The average or maximum irradiance, especially 62 mW / cm². 2 The average or maximum irradiance may be considered the best compromise between appropriate therapeutic efficiency and pain burden, for example, when using red light.

[0120] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device is configured to irradiate a predetermined amount of light onto the area to be irradiated during the illumination time. The amount of light may be one or more of the following values ​​when the object to be irradiated is positioned at the target location during the illumination time: 8 J / cm² 2 ,9J / cm 2 10J / cm 2 Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the light intensity may be less than or equal to one of the following values ​​when the irradiated object is positioned at the target location during the irradiation time: 12 J / cm² 2 ,11J / cm 2 10J / cm 2 The above values ​​hold true, in particular, for blue light, for example, light with a peak wavelength of 417±5 nm.

[0121] Light amount 8J / cm 2 and 12 J / cm 2 Within the range between 10 J / cm² and 10 J / cm², particularly in terms of light intensity. 2 For example, using blue light can be considered the best compromise between sufficient therapeutic efficiency and pain burden.

[0122] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device includes a feedback system configured to provide feedback to help keep the irradiated object, such as a patient, at a predetermined target location, near a predetermined target location, and / or at a predetermined distance from each radiation emission unit. The feedback system is operably coupled, for example, to a monitoring system.

[0123] According to at least one embodiment, the feedback system is configured to provide visual, auditory, and / or tactile feedback to the patient or the operator of the lighting device indicating whether the current target position is close enough to a predetermined target position or whether adjustment is needed. For example, the lighting device comprises a display and / or loudspeaker for providing visual and / or auditory feedback. For example, the visual, auditory, or tactile feedback prompts the patient to take action and / or prompts the operator to adjust the position of the radiation emission unit or the radiation power emitted by the radiation emission unit.

[0124] The feedback system may additionally or alternatively operate to automatically adjust the distance between each radiation-emitting unit and the target being irradiated, as well as the radiation power emitted by each radiation-emitting unit.

[0125] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device is configured to allow the radiation-emitting units to be switched on, for example, via a user interface, particularly a display. For example, an operator needs to operate or press a switch-on button. The button may be an area on a touch display, i.e., a virtual button. The lighting device may be configured so that each radiation-emitting unit of the lighting device can be switched on separately and / or independently, or so that all radiation-emitting units can be switched on together and / or simultaneously. The lighting device may also be configured so that each radiation-emitting unit can be switched off separately and / or individually after it has been switched on.

[0126] When the unit is switched on, the distance sensor of the radiation emission unit may be activated to measure the distance to the object to be irradiated. When the unit is switched on, the radiation emission unit may operate in multiple modes, for example, at least two modes or at least three modes. The modes may include a no-intensity mode (or distance monitoring mode), a low-intensity mode, and / or a reference intensity mode. Different modes may be modes in which the radiation emission unit emits different radiation intensities, or modes in which it emits no intensity, as in the no-intensity mode. When the radiation emission unit is switched on, it may default to the no-intensity mode. In the no-intensity mode, only the distance monitoring system may be activated. In that mode, the distance sensor may continuously poll for objects within a predetermined distance from the unit.

[0127] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device is configured such that the radiation-emitting unit can operate in low-intensity mode when the distance of the radiation-emitting unit to the object to be irradiated is within the irradiation range from a reference distance. As previously stated, the reference distance may be specific to a given object location. Therefore, if the distance is within the irradiation range, the radiation-emitting unit may be positioned at a distance suitable for performing the irradiation time, and may be positioned relative to the object to deliver a quantity of light to the object, which may include, for example, applying a reference radiation intensity. The distance to the object to be irradiated, for example, human skin, is preferably monitored by a distance monitoring system. In low-intensity mode, an assigned distance sensor can be activated. The irradiation range may be, for example, ±2.0 cm or ±1.5 cm from the reference distance. The reference distance may be, for example, 12.0 cm or 12.5 cm. The distance between the radiation-emitting unit and the object to be irradiated is defined in particular as the distance between the output area and the object to be irradiated.

[0128] For example, if the radiation emission unit is within the irradiation range of the target being irradiated, the radiation emission unit can or will only operate in low-intensity mode. If the distance is not within the irradiation range, the radiation emission unit does not need to be able to switch to low-intensity mode or other modes in which radiation is emitted.

[0129] According to at least one embodiment, the low-intensity mode is a mode in which the radiation intensity emitted by the radiation emission unit is lower than the reference radiation intensity used during the illumination time, which is, for example, the reference intensity mode in which the radiation emission unit is operational. For example, in the low-intensity mode, the radiation intensity is at most 50%, at most 25%, at most 10%, or at most 5% of the reference radiation intensity. In addition to or instead of this, the radiation intensity in the low-intensity mode is at least 0.5%, at least 1%, at least 5%, or at least 10% of the reference radiation intensity. In particular, the radiation intensity in the low-intensity mode is strong enough to visually perceive the illuminated area on the irradiated object caused by the radiation emission unit installed on the irradiated object. For example, a patient may feel significant pain in the reference intensity mode, but not in the low-intensity mode because the emitted radiation is so small.

[0130] The reference radiation intensity is the radiation intensity that delivers the average dose or maximum dose to the target during the illumination time specified above, particularly when the target is at the target position or reference distance. The reference intensity may also be the maximum intensity emitted by the radiation emission unit and / or illumination device during the illumination time.

[0131] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device is configured such that, when the distance of the radiation-emitting unit to the object being irradiated moves away from the irradiation range, at least one radiation-emitting unit is switched from a low-intensity mode to a no-intensity mode, or is switchable. For example, the radiation-emitting unit is then automatically switched from the low-intensity mode to the no-intensity mode. Similarly, the radiation-emitting unit may be configured to automatically switch from the no-intensity mode to the low-intensity mode when the distance is within the irradiation range.

[0132] According to at least one embodiment, the no-intensity mode is a mode in which the radiation emission unit does not emit radiation. However, even in the no-intensity mode, the distance sensor of the radiation emission unit may be turned on to measure the distance to the object to be irradiated, for example by performing measurements at specific intervals.

[0133] The lighting device may be configured to switch only one radiation-emitting unit to a no-intensity mode if the distance to the target being irradiated by that radiation-emitting unit falls outside the irradiation range, or to switch some or all of the radiation-emitting units to a no-intensity mode, for example, regardless of whether they are within the irradiation range or not.

[0134] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device is configured such that at least one radiation-emitting unit is switchable from a low-intensity mode and / or no-intensity mode to a reference-intensity mode. The reference-intensity mode is, in particular, a mode in which the radiation intensity is reference intensity or reference radiation intensity. For example, the radiation-emitting unit is switchable from no-intensity mode and / or low-intensity mode to reference-intensity mode only if the distance between the radiation-emitting unit and the object to be irradiated is within the irradiation range. Alternatively, the radiation-emitting unit may be switchable from no-intensity mode and / or low-intensity mode to reference-intensity mode regardless of whether the distance is within the irradiation range. In the latter case, when the radiation-emitting unit is switched to reference-intensity mode, a warning signal may be generated to warn the user that the radiation-emitting unit is not within the irradiation range.

[0135] Alternatively, the radiation emission unit may be switchable to a baseline intensity mode only when starting from a low-intensity mode. For example, in this case, the baseline intensity mode may not be directly accessible from the no-intensity mode.

[0136] The lighting system may be configured so that each radiation-emitting unit can be switched to a standard intensity mode, for example, regardless of the mode of other radiation-emitting units. For example, regardless of whether all radiation-emitting units are within their respective irradiation ranges or the mode of each radiation-emitting unit, all radiation-emitting units can be switched to a standard intensity mode simultaneously by pressing a start button, for example.

[0137] Alternatively, the radiation emission units can be switched to standard intensity mode only when some or all of the radiation emission units in the lighting system, particularly the switched-on radiation emission units, are in low-intensity mode, and / or when the distance to the object to be irradiated is within the irradiation range.

[0138] Switching the radiation emission units to the baseline intensity mode can be done manually by an operator, for example, by operating a user interface element such as a start button, which may also be an area on a touch display. By operating such an element, all radiation emission units may be switched to baseline intensity mode simultaneously.

[0139] For example, when a lighting device is switched on, it is configured to automatically switch to either no-intensity mode or low-intensity mode depending on the distance between the irradiated object and the radiation emission unit at the time of switching on.

[0140] Next, a method for treating skin diseases will be described. The lighting device specified herein is suitably used in this method. Accordingly, all features disclosed with respect to the lighting device are also disclosed in relation to this method, and vice versa.

[0141] According to at least one embodiment, the method includes step a) applying a pharmaceutical substance to the surface of the skin of an area to be treated. In step b), the skin area to be treated is placed at a predetermined target position of an illumination device according to any of the embodiments described herein. In step c), the skin area to be treated is irradiated with the illumination device. In this step, an illumination time is performed.

[0142] Skin diseases or disorders may include, or are not limited to, actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, in vivo squamous cell carcinoma, warts, acne, wound healing disorders / chronic wounds, bacterial and / or fungal infections, or neoplastic skin diseases such as inflammatory skin diseases. This disclosure covers non-therapeutic methods. For example, pharmaceutical substances are suitable for topical application to the skin in the area to be treated.

[0143] According to at least one embodiment, the pharmaceutical substance is a photosensitizer or a precursor of such a drug that can be excited by light of the radiation spectrum emitted by a lighting device.

[0144] According to at least one embodiment, the pharmaceutical substance contains 5-aminolevulinic acid. 5-aminolevulinic acid has been well studied and is considered a reliable prodrug for generating photosensitizers.

[0145] According to at least one embodiment, the skin disease is actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, in vivo squamous cell carcinoma, or neoplastic skin diseases such as warts, acne, wound healing disorders / chronic wounds, bacterial and / or fungal infections, or inflammatory skin diseases.

[0146] According to at least one embodiment, the method includes: - Prepare a measurement signal indicating the distance between the radiation emission unit (10) and the irradiated object (200), - An operation signal is generated as a function of the measurement signal, and the operation signal is configured to cause the lighting device (100) to adjust its operation, or to request or trigger a request for adjustment of the operation of the lighting device (100). The adjustment of operation may include one or more of the following: - Vary the distance between each radiation emission unit and the target of irradiation. - Adjust the radiation power emitted by each radiation emission unit. -Adjust the duration of the lighting.

[0147] According to at least one embodiment, the method of operating the lighting device includes executing a start sequence before the lighting time.

[0148] According to at least one embodiment, the execution of the start sequence includes switching on a radiation emission unit so that a distance sensor assigned to measure the distance to the irradiated object is activated (step S1). Switching on may be performed by an operator, for example, by operating a switch-on button on a touch display.

[0149] According to at least one embodiment, the execution of the start sequence includes adjusting the distance of the radiation-emitting unit to the irradiated object until the distance is within the irradiation range (step S2). The distance adjustment may be performed manually by the operator, for example, by manually moving the radiation-emitting unit and / or the irradiated object.

[0150] According to at least one embodiment, the execution of the start sequence includes operating the radiation emission unit in low-intensity mode to irradiate the target at a low radiation intensity when the above distance is within the irradiation range (step S3).

[0151] According to at least one embodiment, the execution of the start sequence includes adjusting the position of the irradiated object relative to the illumination device while maintaining the distance of the radiation emission unit to the irradiated object within the irradiation range (step S4).

[0152] According to at least one embodiment, the execution of the start sequence includes switching the radiation emission unit from low-intensity mode to no-intensity mode when the distance of the radiation emission unit to the irradiated object moves out of the irradiation range (step S5). This may interrupt or cancel the start sequence. This step may be performed automatically.

[0153] According to at least one embodiment, the execution of the start sequence includes switching the radiation emission unit to a reference intensity mode once the position of the irradiated object relative to the illuminator is adjusted so that a desired irradiation area of ​​the irradiated object is irradiated (step S6).

[0154] According to at least one embodiment, steps S1 to S6 are performed in a predetermined order and / or in a reversed order.

[0155] In particular, it is sometimes desirable to correctly position the target to be irradiated relative to the lighting device, or vice versa, before the actual illumination time begins. When the radiation emission unit is switched on, the distance sensor activates and measures the distance to the target to be irradiated. The radiation emission unit immediately switches to either no-intensity mode or low-intensity mode depending on whether the distance is outside or inside the irradiation range. By using low-intensity mode when the target to be irradiated is at an appropriate distance from the radiation emission unit, the target can be further positioned relative to the lighting device. The operator can visually check the illuminance of the target in the irradiation area of ​​the radiation emission unit in low-intensity mode, which helps in correctly positioning the target to the lighting device, or vice versa. In addition, because the intensity is low in low-intensity mode, pain is prevented, and position adjustments can be made without causing discomfort to the patient.

[0156] If two or more radiation-emitting units are used, some or all of the radiation-emitting units may be switched on in step S1, for example, simultaneously or individually, one by one. For example, only the radiation-emitting units previously selected by the operator (for example, in step S0) may be switched on. If the distance of at least one radiation-emitting unit to the irradiated object is not within the irradiation range, or if it is outside the irradiation range, only this radiation-emitting unit, some radiation-emitting units, or all radiation-emitting units may be switched to no-intensity mode. This may be done automatically. Furthermore, if at least one radiation-emitting unit is not in low-intensity mode, and / or the distance of at least one radiation-emitting unit to the irradiated object is not within the irradiation range, none of the radiation-emitting units may be switchable to standard intensity mode.

[0157] Alternatively, all radiation-emitting units may be switchable to the reference intensity mode regardless of whether one, some, or all radiation-emitting units are in low-intensity mode or whether their distance is within the irradiation range. Or, only radiation-emitting units whose distance is not within the irradiation range and / or are not in low-intensity mode may be prevented from being switched to the reference intensity mode.

[0158] The lighting devices and methods for treating skin diseases described herein will be described in more detail below, based on exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals indicate the same elements in the individual figures. However, the size ratios in question are not necessarily to scale, and individual elements may be depicted in an exaggerated size for better understanding.

[0159] Next, the method of operating the lighting device will be described. In particular, the lighting device specified herein can be operated by this method. Therefore, all features disclosed in relation to the lighting device are also disclosed in relation to this method, and vice versa.

[0160] According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises the step of preparing a measurement signal, the measurement signal indicating the distance between a radiation emission unit and an object to be irradiated. In a further step, an operation signal is generated as a function of the measurement signal, i.e., in response to the measurement signal, and the operation signal is configured to cause an illumination device to adjust its operation, request an adjustment of the illumination device's operation, or trigger a request.

[0161] Furthermore, computer program products are also specified. These computer program products include computer-readable instructions, which, when loaded and executed by a processor, are configured to cause a lighting device to perform a specific operation. The processor may be part of the lighting device.

[0162] Furthermore, it also specifies computer-readable media on which computer program products are stored. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0163] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a lighting device with a configuration different from that shown in Figure 2. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a lighting device with a configuration different from that shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a radiation emission unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a radiation emission unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a radiation emission unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a radiation emission unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a radiation emission unit. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a radiation emission unit. [Figure 9]Figure 9 shows the simulation results of irradiance on a cylindrical surface obtained in an exemplary embodiment of the lighting device. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a radiation source. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for treating a skin disease based on a flowchart. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of the visual user interface of the feedback system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0164] Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a lighting device 100 for photodynamic therapy. The lighting device 100 has a plurality of radiation-emitting units 10 linearly connected to one another. The radiation-emitting units 10 are particularly pivotally connected so that they can move relative to one another. For this purpose, hinges 15 are used between the radiation-emitting units 10. Each of the radiation-emitting units 10 has a radiation output area 11 from which the radiation generated in each radiation-emitting unit 10 is emitted outside the lighting device 100. The output area 11 is formed in each case, for example, by a (plexiglass or glass) cover plate of each radiation-emitting unit 10.

[0165] The illumination device 100 in Figure 1 is configured to irradiate a plane with radiation. The radiation emission units 10 are arranged such that the radiation output areas 11 are located on a substantially common plane. The main radiation directions of the radiation emission units 10 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0166] Figure 2 shows another configuration in which the lighting device 100 of Figure 1 is configured to illuminate a non-planar surface, i.e., a cylindrical surface, particularly a person's face. The radiation emission units 10 are arranged in a C-shape. For this purpose, the radiation emission units 10 are pivoted relative to each other such that the distance of the radiation output area 11 of each radiation emission unit 10 to the cylindrical surface is substantially the same. Rearranging or moving the radiation emission units 10 can be done manually. In this case, each radiation emission unit 10 is assigned a motor 42, which is configured to move / pivot each radiation emission unit 10 relative to the other radiation emission units 10.

[0167] A predetermined target position 300 is defined around the cylinder on which the radiation emission unit 10 is located. The target position 300 is positioned at a distance from the radiation output area 11 of the radiation emission unit 10. Inside the target position 300, an irradiation target 200 is placed. The irradiation target 200 is, for example, a human head. The head 200 is treated by irradiation with radiation from the irradiation device 100.

[0168] During the treatment procedure, the distance of the radiation-emitting unit 10 to the target 200, or to a predetermined target position 300, is kept substantially constant, particularly within the irradiation range at or around the reference distance. For this purpose, the illumination device 100 has a position or distance monitoring system 4. The monitoring system 4 has distance sensors 40 (see, for example, Figure 4), and one distance sensor 40 is assigned to each radiation-emitting unit 10. The distance of the radiation-emitting unit 10 to the target 200 or the predetermined target position 300 is measured by the distance sensors 40.

[0169] The monitoring system 4 further comprises an electronic control unit 41 and the motors 42 described above. During the operation of the lighting device 100, the distance of the radiation-emitting unit 10 to the target 200 or a predetermined target position 300 is measured continuously or repeatedly by the distance sensor 40. The corresponding measurement signals are processed by the monitoring system 4. If the measurement signals indicate a variation in the distance of one radiation-emitting unit 10 to the target 200 or position 300, a corresponding operation signal is generated, which causes the electronic control unit 41 to operate one or more motors 42 to adjust the distance of the radiation-emitting unit 10 to the target 200 or the predetermined target position 300. For example, the distance is between 50 mm and 200 mm, preferably maintained at 125 mm. As an example, if a variation of 15 mm or more in distance is measured, the distance is adjusted. For the operation of the lighting device as described above and below, the computer program product specified herein may be executed on the processor of the lighting device.

[0170] In addition to or instead of this, the monitoring system 4 may be configured to request adjustment if the measurement signal from the distance sensor 40 indicates a variation in distance and / or that it has moved out of the irradiation range. The operation signal is then configured to make or trigger such an adjustment request. The operator may then move the radiation emission unit 10 manually or by operating the motor 42.

[0171] The lighting device 100 may be further configured to adjust the radiation power emitted by each radiation emission unit and / or to adjust the duration of the lighting time. The electronic control unit 41 or a different electronic control unit may then vary the radiation power based on one or more operating signals generated as a function of the measurement signal from the distance sensor 40. For example, the radiation power increases with increasing distance and decreases with decreasing distance. Alternatively, the duration of the lighting time may be increased when the distance increases and decreased when the distance decreases. The increase or decrease in the duration of the lighting time may be automatically controlled by the monitoring system 4. In particular, the monitoring system 4 may control, for example, 37 J / cm². 2 To ensure that the specified amount of light is received reliably.

[0172] Furthermore, as a function of the measurement signal from the distance sensor 40, the monitoring system 4 may request adjustments to the radiation power or the duration of illumination time, for example, by an appropriate output on the system's display or another user interface (see, for example, Figure 12). The operator may then change the radiation power of each radiation emission unit 10, or increase or decrease the duration of illumination time.

[0173] The illumination device 100 may further include a feedback system (see Figure 12) configured to provide feedback to help maintain the irradiated object 200 at a predetermined target position 300. The feedback system may be configured to emit visual, auditory, and / or tactile feedback indicating whether the irradiated object 200 is at the predetermined target position 300, at a distance from the radiation emission unit 10 within the irradiation range, or requires adjustment, respectively. For this purpose, the feedback system may include a display and / or a speaker.

[0174] Figure 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a visual interface 45 of such a feedback system. The user interface 45 shows five radiation emission units 10a-10e. Three radiation emission units 10a, 10b, and 10e are shown not to be activated / switched on, which is indicated by the "off" symbol on each radiation emission unit. One radiation emission unit 10c is activated / switched on and is at the correct distance (within the irradiation range), which is indicated by a check mark on that radiation emission unit. One radiation emission unit 10d is activated / switched on, but distance adjustment is required or being performed by the monitoring system itself. This is indicated by two arrows pointing in opposite directions. The display on the user interface 45 may be generated by the computer program product specified herein.

[0175] Before the illumination time by the lighting device 100 begins, a start sequence may be performed. First, the operator may switch on each of the radiation emission units, for example, by operating one or more buttons on the user interface 45. Switching on may activate the distance sensor 40. After switching on, the radiation emission units 10 may first be in a no-intensity mode in which no radiation is emitted, or in a low-intensity mode in which a low radiation intensity is emitted. Next, the operator may adjust the distance between the radiation emission units 10 and the target 200 so that the distance of each radiation emission unit 10 to the target 200 is, for example, 11 cm or more and 14 cm or less, within the irradiation range. The user interface 45 may indicate for each radiation emission unit 10 the distance to the target 200 and / or whether the distance needs to be increased or decreased to enter the irradiation range.

[0176] When the distance from the radiation emission unit 10 to the irradiation target 200 falls within the irradiation range, a check mark may be displayed on the user interface 45 for each radiation emission unit 10 (see Figure 12). Then, the radiation emission units 10 that are at the correct distance, i.e., within the irradiation range, may be automatically switched from no-intensity mode to low-intensity mode. The illumination corresponding to the radiation emission unit may then be visible on the irradiation target 200.

[0177] When all radiation-emitting units 10 are at the correct distance from the target 200, and especially when a check mark is displayed on the interface 45 of all radiation-emitting units 10, all radiation-emitting units 10 may be set to low-intensity mode. The operator may then further adjust the position of the illumination device 100 relative to the target 200, for example, by moving the illumination device 100 from a position that illuminates the upper part of the head to a position that illuminates the lower part of the head. During this position adjustment, the distance shall be maintained within the irradiation range. However, if the distance of one radiation-emitting unit 10 falls outside the irradiation range during such position adjustment, this radiation-emitting unit 10 may be automatically switched from low-intensity mode to no-intensity mode. The operator can notice this by the change in illumination of the target 200. In addition to or instead of this, the interface 45 may indicate this by clearing the check mark and / or by generating a sound, such as a warning sound. The operator may then readjust the distance of this radiation-emitting unit 10.

[0178] After the lighting device 100 is in the correct position relative to the irradiated object 200, and while all radiation-emitting units 10 are still within the irradiation range, the operator may switch one, some, or all of the radiation-emitting units 10 to a reference intensity mode in which the radiation-emitting units 10 emit a reference radiation intensity for the treatment of skin diseases. For example, if one radiation-emitting unit 10 is not within the irradiation range, only this radiation-emitting unit 10 may not be switched to reference intensity mode. Alternatively, if at least one radiation-emitting unit 10 is not within the irradiation range, none of the radiation-emitting units 10 may be switched to reference intensity mode. Or, all radiation-emitting units may be switchable to reference intensity mode regardless of whether one or more or all of the radiation-emitting units are within the irradiation range. Switching to reference intensity mode may be done manually by the operator, for example, by operating the start button on the interface.

[0179] Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the radiation emission unit 10, in a plan view of the radiation emission unit 10, for example, a plan view of the cover plate. The radiation emission unit 10 in Figure 3 is used, for example, in all the radiation emission units 10 in the lighting device 100 in Figures 1 and 2.

[0180] The radiation emission unit 10 comprises a unit housing 3 made of, for example, metal and / or plastic, and a radiation source carrier 2 that is laterally surrounded by the unit housing 3 in the illustrated plan view. The unit housing 3 defines the lateral edge 30 of the radiation emission unit 10 that partitions the radiation emission unit 10 in the lateral direction T.

[0181] The radiation source carrier 2 is, for example, a printed circuit board, or PCB for short. The radiation source carrier 2 is a long, rectangular parallelepiped-shaped carrier. The main extension direction of the radiation source carrier 2 defines the longitudinal direction L. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and parallel to the main extension surface of the radiation source carrier 2 defines the transverse direction T. The radiation source carrier 2 is divided into the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T by the carrier edge 20.

[0182] Multiple radiation sources 1 are arranged on a radiation source carrier 2. The precise location of each radiation source 1 on the radiation source carrier 2 is indicated by the intersection of squared brackets. For example, the center of the chip surface of a semiconductor chip assigned to a radiation source coincides with each intersection.

[0183] In an exemplary embodiment, all radiation sources 1 of the radiation emission unit 10 are arranged on a common radiation source carrier 2. During the intended operation, it is preferable that all radiation sources 1 emit radiation that has essentially the same color and / or essentially the same peak wavelength in the visible spectrum.

[0184] As can be seen from Figure 3, the radiation sources 1 are arranged in three different groups 12, 13, and 14 on the carrier 2, with each radiation source 1 uniquely assigned to one of the groups 12, 13, or 14. Groups 12, 13, and 14 are indicated by dashed rectangles. The first group 12, having 15 radiation sources 1, is located in the central region of the radiation source carrier 2. The second group 13 and the third group 14, each having 15 radiation sources 1, are located in the peripheral regions of the radiation source carrier 2. When viewed along the vertical direction L, the second group 13 and the third group 14 are located before and after the first group 12. Within each group 12, 13, and 14, the radiation sources 1 are arranged in a regular two-dimensional group pattern. The group patterns of the second group 13 and the third group 14 are identical, but the group pattern of the first group 12 is different.

[0185] In the second group 13 and the third group 14, the radiation source 1 is arranged more densely on the radiation source carrier 2 than in the first group 12. Therefore, the occupancy density of the radiation source carrier 2 with respect to the radiation source 1 in the second group 13 and the third group 14 is higher than in the first group 12. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in that it allows for homogeneous irradiation of the target along the longitudinal direction L.

[0186] As can be seen from Figure 3, the distance between two adjacent groups 12, 13, and 14 is greater than the distance between radiation sources 1 within groups 12, 13, and 14 (the distance between two adjacent groups is the shortest distance between the two radiation sources 1 in those two groups). Furthermore, Figure 3 confirms that the two-dimensional pattern in which radiation sources 1 are arranged on the radiation source carrier 2 is symmetrical with respect to an axis running parallel to the vertical direction L, and also symmetrical with respect to an axis running parallel to the horizontal direction T.

[0187] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the radiation source 1 is positioned at the geometric center of the radiation source carrier 2. A distance sensor 40 is positioned on the radiation source carrier 2, slightly offset from this geometric center. The distance sensor 40 is part of the monitoring system 4 described earlier. The distance sensor 40 is, for example, a time-of-flight sensor having a laser diode. The distance between adjacent radiation sources 1 at the geometric center is, for example, 10 mm.

[0188] In addition to or instead of this, the distance sensor 40 may be slightly offset from the center of the radiation field created by the radiation sources of the radiation emission unit, for example, by at least 5 mm and at most 40 mm. The center of the radiation field may be the position of the center of mass when integrated over all the radiation sources of the radiation emission unit.

[0189] Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the radiation emission unit 10 to scale. This exemplary embodiment may be used in the lighting device 100 of Figures 1 and 2. The lateral distance between two adjacent radiation sources 1 along the lateral direction T is 30 mm in each case. The longitudinal distance between two adjacent radiation sources 1 along the longitudinal direction L is 15 mm for the second group 13 and the third group 14, and 40 mm for the first group 12. The longitudinal distance between two adjacent groups is 60 mm. The radiation source carrier 2 may have an expansion of 160 mm along the lateral direction T and an expansion of 280 mm along the longitudinal direction. Connectors 43 and 44 are provided for connecting to other radiation emission units.

[0190] Figure 5 shows another exemplary embodiment of the radiation emission unit 10 in a plan view. This radiation emission unit 10 may also be used in the radiation emission unit 10 of the lighting device 100 in Figures 1 and 2. In contrast to Figures 3 and 4, the radiation emission unit 10 of Figure 5 has not only one radiation source carrier 2 common to all radiation sources 1 of each radiation emission unit 10, but also multiple radiation source carriers 2. Each radiation source carrier 2 is elongated in a main extension direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Viewed along the transverse direction T, which extends perpendicular to the main longitudinal direction L, the radiation source carriers 2 are arranged front to back.

[0191] Multiple radiation sources 1 are arranged within each radiation source carrier 2. In all cases, the radiation sources 1 are arranged in a one-dimensional irregular pattern. Here again, within each radiation source carrier 2, the radiation sources 1 are grouped into three groups 12, 13, and 14. Each group 12, 13, and 14 has three radiation sources 1. The first group 12 is located between the second group 13 and the third group 14 in each case, but has a lower density of radiation sources 1 than both the second group 13 and the third group 14. The group patterns of each group 12, 13, and 14 are regular.

[0192] Using multiple radiation source carriers 2 is advantageous for further improving the homogeneity of the irradiation pattern. As shown in Figure 6, a cross-sectional view along the transverse direction T in Figure 5, the individual radiation source carriers 2 are positioned at angles relative to each other. As a result, the principal radiation directions V of the radiation sources 1 on different radiation source carriers 2 are tilted relative to each other. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 6, the radiation source carriers 2 close to the outer edge 30 of the unit housing 3 are oriented such that the principal radiation direction V of each radiation source 1 on this radiation source carrier 2 is shifted outward from the principal radiation direction V of the radiation source 1 on another radiation source carrier 2 further away from the outer edge 30. In this way, irradiation at the outer edge 30 of the radiation emission unit 10 where the hinge 15 is located can be improved (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0193] The individual radiation source carriers 2 of the radiation emission unit 10 may have their relative positions to each other fixed. Alternatively, they may be made movable relative to each other, for example, manually or with the help of actuators.

[0194] Figure 7 shows another exemplary embodiment of the radiation emission unit 10 in a plan view. This exemplary embodiment is similar to those in Figures 3 and 4. Here again, all radiation sources 1 are located on a common radiation source carrier 2. This radiation emission unit 10 may also be used in the radiation emission unit 10 of the lighting device 100 in Figures 1 and 2.

[0195] The difference between Figure 7 and Figures 3 and 4 lies in the arrangement of the radiation sources 1 on the radiation source carrier 2. In Figure 7, the first group 12 has 25 radiation sources 1 arranged in a regular group pattern. The second group 13 and the third group 14 each have only 10 radiation sources 1 arranged in a regular group pattern. In the first group 12, the lateral distance between adjacent radiation sources 1 is 30 mm in each case, and the vertical distance between adjacent radiation sources 1 is 35 mm in each case. In the second group 13 and the third group 14, the lateral distance between adjacent radiation sources 1 is 30 mm in each case, and the vertical distance is 15 mm in each case. The vertical distance between two adjacent groups 12, 13, and 14 is 45 mm in each case.

[0196] Figure 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a radiation emission unit 10 that can obtain a particularly homogeneous irradiation pattern along the longitudinal direction. The arrangement of the radiation sources 1 on the radiation source carrier 2 is similar to that in Figures 3 and 4, respectively. Only the longitudinal distances are selected with slight differences. In the first group 12, the longitudinal distance between adjacent radiation sources 1 is 36 mm in each case. In the second group 13 and the third group 14, the longitudinal distance between adjacent radiation sources 1 is 22 mm in each case. The longitudinal distance between adjacent groups 12, 13, and 14 is 28 mm in each case.

[0197] Figure 9 shows the simulation results for irradiance on a cylindrical surface obtained in an exemplary embodiment of the lighting device 100. This simulation used a lighting device 100 having five radiation-emitting units 10, as described in relation to Figure 3. The radiation-emitting units 10 were arranged around a cylinder with a diameter of 200 mm and a height of 300 mm. The radiation-emitting units 10 were positioned such that the distance of the radiation output area 11 of each radiation-emitting unit 10 from the cylindrical surface was 125 mm. The upper photograph in Figure 9 shows this arrangement.

[0198] The uniformity of irradiance on the cylindrical surface was confirmed as a function of azimuth (middle panel of Figure 9). The Y-axis shows irradiance in arbitrary units. The X-axis shows azimuth. Different data samples Z1 to Z5 correspond to measurements at different heights along the vertical direction L (see also the upper panel of Figure 9).

[0199] In the lower panel of Figure 9, irradiance in arbitrary units (Y-axis) is shown as a function of height along the vertical direction L (X-axis). Different data samples Z1 to Z6 correspond to measurements at different azimuth angles.

[0200] As is clear from the lower diagram of Figure 9, a very homogeneous irradiance along the vertical direction L can be obtained by the specific arrangement of the radiation sources 1 on each radiation source carrier 2 of the radiation emission unit 10.

[0201] The middle panel of Figure 9 shows that the lighting device 100, which has multiple radiation emission units 10 that are pivotally connected to each other, can be arranged around the cylinder at equidistant from the cylindrical surface, resulting in a very uniform irradiance for azimuth angles up to 90°.

[0202] Figure 10 shows an exemplary embodiment where the radiation source 1 is a photoelectronic component. Preferably, all radiation sources 1 of the radiation emission unit 10 or the entire illumination device 100 are formed similarly within manufacturing tolerances, and each may be such a photoelectronic component.

[0203] The optoelectronic component 1 has a semiconductor chip 1a made of, for example, a III-V compound semiconductor material. The semiconductor chip 1a is mounted on the front side of a ceramic chip carrier 1b. The chip carrier 1b may be electrically connected to a metal front side pad 1d on the front side and a metal rear side pad 1e on the rear side by a through-connector (not shown). The semiconductor chip 1a is electrically connected to the front side pad 1d. A thermal pad 1f on the rear side, for example made of metal, helps to dissipate heat from the optoelectronic component 1.

[0204] The semiconductor chip 1a is embedded in a lens-shaped encapsulant 1c that directs the radiation emitted from the semiconductor chip 1a. The encapsulant is made of, for example, transparent silicon.

[0205] The characteristics of optoelectronic component 1 are as follows, for example: When operated with an operating current of 350 mA and an operating temperature of 25°C, the peak wavelength of emitted radiation is 634.0 nm. The maximum opening angle at which at least 75% of the radiant intensity is emitted is 80°. The primary radiation direction is 0°, and the primary radiation direction is measured with respect to the normal axis running perpendicular to the primary extension surface of the chip carrier 1b or the radiation exit surface of the semiconductor chip 1a. The radiation angle at which the radiance decreases from its maximum value at 0° to 50% of that value is ±40°. The luminous efficiency is 111 lm / W.

[0206] During the operation of the lighting device 100, each optoelectronic component 1 operates with an operating current of, for example, 1000mA.

[0207] Figure 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for treating a skin disease based on a flowchart. In step S1, a pharmaceutical substance is applied to the surface of human skin in the area to be treated. This may be the facial area. The pharmaceutical substance is, for example, a photosensitizer or a precursor of such a drug that can be excited by light of the radiation spectrum emitted by the illumination device 100. The pharmaceutical substance may contain 5-aminolevulinic acid.

[0208] In step S2, the skin area to be treated is placed at a predetermined target position 300 of the lighting device 100 (see Figure 2).

[0209] In step S3, the skin area to be treated is illuminated with a lighting device for, for example, at least 10 minutes and no more than 20 minutes. During the illumination time, the skin area is illuminated with, for example, at least 30 J / cm². 2 at most 45 J / cm 2 For example, 37 J / cm² 2 It is irradiated with a predetermined amount of light. When red light with a wavelength of approximately 635 nm is used for irradiation, the amount is 37 J / cm².2 The light intensity is particularly preferred. When using green or blue light, for example, to irradiate a skin surface to which ALA has been locally applied before irradiation, the total amount of light applied to the target during the irradiation time may have different values ​​due to the different absorption characteristics for these wavelengths. The general teachings in this disclosure apply not only to light sources that emit red light, but also to light sources of different colors, such as blue or green light, especially when ALA-based PDT is performed. As already mentioned, light having the following peak wavelengths may be preferred: 635 nm ± 4 nm (red light), 542 nm ± 4 nm (green light or green to yellow light), 506 nm ± 4 nm (green light), and 417 nm ± 4 nm (blue light).

[0210] The invention described herein is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and related descriptions. Rather, the invention includes not only any new features or any combination thereof, even if such features are not explicitly stated in the claims or exemplary embodiments, but also combinations thereof, and in particular includes any combination of features in the claims.

[0211] A series of embodiments are disclosed below. Each set of embodiments is numbered to facilitate reference to features of one embodiment in other embodiments. The embodiments form part of the disclosure of this application and may be subject to independent and / or dependent claims, regardless of what is currently claimed in this application and independent of the references in parentheses. The scope of protection is defined by the appended claims, and the embodiments below do not constitute the claims. The set of embodiments is as follows:

[0212] First embodiment set:

[0213] (Form 1) A lighting device (100) for photodynamic therapy, The lighting device (100) comprises at least one electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10), The at least one electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) has at least one electromagnetic radiation source (1), The electromagnetic radiation source (1) is configured to generate radiation to irradiate a region of the object to be irradiated (200) during the illumination time. The irradiation target (200) is placed at a predetermined target position (300). The predetermined target position (300) is positioned at a distance from the radiation output area (11) of the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10), and the radiation generated by the at least one electromagnetic radiation source (1) is emitted from the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) through the radiation output area (11) during the operation of the lighting device (100).

[0214] (Form 2) The electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) has a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (1) arranged on a common radiation source carrier (2), The lighting device (100) according to Embodiment 1, wherein the occupied density of the radiation source carrier (2) with respect to the electromagnetic radiation source (1) is smaller in the central region of the radiation source carrier (2) than in the peripheral region of the radiation source carrier (2) outside the central region.

[0215] (Form 3) The lighting device (100) according to Embodiment 2, wherein the electromagnetic radiation source (1) is arranged in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional pattern on the radiation source carrier (2).

[0216] (Form 4) The aforementioned pattern is irregular, as described in the lighting device (100) of Embodiment 3.

[0217] (Form 5) The illumination device (100) according to any one of embodiments 2 to 4, wherein the radiation source carrier (2) is a long carrier having a main extension direction that defines the longitudinal direction (L).

[0218] (Form 6) The lighting device (100) according to form 3 or form 4 or 5 which is dependent on form 3, wherein the pattern is symmetrical with respect to one or two axes, and the one and two axes are orthogonal.

[0219] (Form 7) The lighting device (100) according to any one of embodiments 2 to 6, wherein the electromagnetic radiation sources (1) on the radiation source carrier (2) are grouped into a plurality of groups (12, 13, 14), the electromagnetic radiation sources (1) in each group (12, 13, 14) are arranged in a regular group pattern, and at least two of the plurality of groups (12, 13) have different group patterns.

[0220] (Form 8) The lighting device (100) according to Embodiment 7, wherein at least two of the aforementioned groups (12, 13, 14) have the same group pattern.

[0221] (Form 9) The first group (12) having the first group pattern is positioned between the second group (13) and the third group (14) in a plan view of the radiation source carrier (2). A lighting device (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the second group (13) and the third group (14) have the same group pattern, and the first group (12) has a different group pattern.

[0222] (Form 10) The electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) is a lighting device (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) has a unit housing (3) that defines the outer edge (30) of the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10).

[0223] (Form 11) The electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) has a plurality of radiation source carriers (2), and each of the radiation source carriers (2) is provided with a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (1). The illumination device (100) according to Embodiment 10, wherein the radiation source carrier (2) closest to the outer edge (30) is oriented such that the main radiation direction (V) of the electromagnetic radiation source (1) on the radiation source carrier (2) is shifted outward from the main radiation direction (V) of the electromagnetic radiation source (1) on another radiation source carrier (2) further away from the outer edge (30).

[0224] (Form 12) The electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) has one continuous radiation source carrier (2) common to all of the electromagnetic radiation sources (1) of the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10), the lighting device (100) according to any one of the embodiments 1 to 11.

[0225] (Form 13) The electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) has a plurality of radiation source carriers (2), each of the radiation source carriers (2) has a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (1), and at least two of the radiation source carriers (2) are arranged at an angle to each other. The aforementioned radiation source carrier (2) is Their relative positions are fixed, They can move relative to each other. A lighting device (100) according to any of forms 1 to 10.

[0226] (Form 14) The at least one electromagnetic radiation source (1) is an optoelectronic component, The emission spectrum of the photoelectronic component has a peak wavelength in one of the following ranges: 635 nm ± 4 nm, 542 nm ± 4 nm, 506 nm ± 4 nm, as described in any of embodiments 1 to 13 (100).

[0227] (Form 15) The lighting device (100) is the lighting device (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, having a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) that are connected to each other so that they can move relative to one another.

[0228] (Form 16) The lighting device (100) includes a position or distance monitoring system (4), The lighting device (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the monitoring system (4) is configured to monitor the position and / or distance of the irradiated object (200) from the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) and / or from the predetermined target position (300).

[0229] (Form 17) The monitoring system (4) has a distance sensor (40) positioned on the radiation source carrier (2) of at least one of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10), The illumination device (100) according to Embodiment 16, which is dependent on Embodiment 2, wherein the distance sensor (40) is positioned offset from the geometric center of the radiation source carrier (2) in a plan view.

[0230] (Form 18) The lighting device (100) according to Embodiment 17, wherein the lighting device (100) is configured to compensate for the distance of the irradiated object (200) from each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) and / or the positional variation of the predetermined object position (300) in order to maintain a predetermined radiation dose during the lighting time.

[0231] (Form 19) The monitoring system (4) is configured to adjust the operation of the lighting device (100) or request adjustment of the operation of the lighting device (100) using any, any combination, or all of the following means: The distance between each of the radiation emission units (10) and the irradiation target (200) is changed. Adjust the radiation power emitted by each of the radiation emission units (10), and / or Adjust the duration of the lighting. A lighting device (100) according to any of forms 16 to 18.

[0232] (Form 20) a) Apply the medicinal substance to the skin surface of the area to be treated. b) The skin area to be treated is placed at a predetermined target position (300) of the lighting device (100) according to any of the above embodiments, c) Irradiating the area of ​​skin to be treated with the illumination device (100) A treatment method for skin diseases, including the following.

[0233] (Form 21) A measurement signal indicating the distance between the radiation emission unit (10) and the irradiation target (200) is prepared. An operation signal is generated as a function of the measurement signal, and the operation signal is configured to cause the lighting device (100) to adjust its operation, or to request that the lighting device (100) adjust its operation. A method of operating a lighting device (100) according to any of forms 1 to 19, including the above.

[0234] (Form 22) A computer program product including machine-readable instructions, which, when loaded into a processor and executed, is configured to cause the lighting device to perform the method described in Embodiment 21.

[0235] (Form 23) A computer-readable medium containing the computer program product described in Form 22.

[0236] Second embodiment set:

[0237] (Form 1) A lighting device (100) for photodynamic therapy, The lighting device (100) comprises five or more electromagnetic radiation emission units (10), Each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) has a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (1), The electromagnetic radiation source (1) is configured to generate radiation to irradiate a region of the object to be irradiated (200) during the illumination time. The irradiation target (200) is placed at a predetermined target position (300). The predetermined target position (300) is positioned at a distance from the radiation output area (11) of the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10), and the radiation generated by the electromagnetic radiation source (1) is emitted from the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) through the radiation output area (11) during the operation of the lighting device (100). In each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10), The plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (1) are arranged on a radiation source carrier (2), The electromagnetic radiation sources (1) on the radiation source carrier (2) are grouped into a plurality of groups (12, 13, 14), and the electromagnetic radiation sources (1) in each group (12, 13, 14) are arranged in a regular two-dimensional group pattern, and at least two of the plurality of groups (12, 13) have different group patterns. Each group (12, 13, 14) has multiple electromagnetic radiation sources (1), The first group (12) having the first group pattern is positioned between the second group (13) and the third group (14) in a plan view of the radiation source carrier (2). The second group (13) and the third group (14) have the same group pattern, while the first group (12) has a different group pattern. The first group (12) has a lower occupied density of the electromagnetic radiation source (1) than the second group (13) and the third group (14). The lighting device (100) includes a distance monitoring system (4) that monitors the distance from the radiation emission unit (10) to the irradiation target (200), The distance monitoring system (4) has a plurality of distance sensors (40), and each of the radiation emission units (10) is assigned a distance sensor (40) for measuring the distance between the irradiation target (200) and each of the radiation emission units (10). The lighting device (100) is configured as follows: Each of the radiation emission units (10) operates in a low-intensity mode when the distance of the radiation emission unit (10) to the irradiated object (200) is within the irradiation range near the reference distance, and the low-intensity mode is a mode in which the radiation intensity emitted by the radiation emission unit (10) is less than the reference radiation intensity used during the illumination time. Each of the radiation-emitting units (10) is automatically switched from a low-intensity mode to a no-intensity mode when the distance of the radiation-emitting unit (10) from the irradiated object (200) is outside the irradiation range, and the no-intensity mode is a mode in which the radiation-emitting unit (10) does not emit radiation, in a lighting device (100).

[0238] (Form 2) The lighting device (100) according to Embodiment 1, wherein the occupied density of the radiation source carrier (2) with respect to the electromagnetic radiation source (1) is smaller in the central region of the radiation source carrier (2) than in the peripheral region of the radiation source carrier (2) outside the central region.

[0239] (Form 3) The lighting device (100) according to Embodiment 2, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) are arranged in a C-shaped configuration and / or a semicircular configuration.

[0240] (Form 4) The illumination device (100) according to Embodiment 3, wherein when the distance of the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) to the illumination target (200) is at the reference distance, the illumination area on the illumination target (200) illuminated by the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) is at most 32 cm × 26 cm and / or at least 26 cm × 20 cm.

[0241] (Form 5) The illumination device (100) according to Embodiment 4, wherein the radiation source carrier (2) is a long carrier having a main extension direction that defines the longitudinal direction (L).

[0242] (Form 6) The lighting device (100) according to Form 5, wherein in each of the electromagnetic radiation emitting units (10), the pattern of the electromagnetic radiation source (1) on the radiation source carrier (2) is symmetric with respect to one axis or two orthogonal axes.

[0243] (Form 7) The lighting device (100) according to Form 6, wherein the reference distance is 12.5 cm and the irradiation range is ±1.5 cm.

[0244] (Form 8) In at least one radiation emitting unit (10), the distance between two of the electromagnetic radiation sources (1) is at least 5 mm and at most 40, the distance between two adjacent groups (12, 13, 14) is 20 mm or more and 80 mm or less, and the distance between the two adjacent groups is the minimum distance between the electromagnetic radiation sources of the two adjacent groups. The lighting device (100) according to Form 7.

[0245] (Form 9) The occupancy density of the electromagnetic radiation sources of the second group (13) and the third group (14) is at least 1.2 times and at most 5 times the occupancy density of the first group (12). The lighting device (100) according to Form 8.

[0246] (Form 10) The lighting device (100) according to Form 9, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting unit (10) has a unit housing (3) that defines an outer edge (30) of the electromagnetic radiation emitting unit (10).

[0247] (Form 11) In at least one of the electromagnetic radiation emitting units (10), the area on the radiation source carrier (2) for the electromagnetic radiation source (1) is at most 28 cm × 16 cm and at least 22 cm × 10 cm. The lighting device (100) according to Form 10.

[0248] (Form 12) The lighting device (100) according to embodiment 11, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) has one continuous radiation source carrier (2) common to all of the electromagnetic radiation sources (1) of the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10).

[0249] (Form 13) The electromagnetic radiation source (1) is an optoelectronic component, The emission spectrum of the aforementioned optoelectronic component has peak wavelengths in the following range: 635 nm ± 5 nm, illumination device (100) according to Embodiment 12.

[0250] (Form 14) The lighting device (100) according to embodiment 13, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) are connected so that they can move relative to one another.

[0251] (Form 15) The lighting device (100) according to Embodiment 14, wherein in at least one of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10), the distance sensor (40) is positioned offset from the geometric center of the radiation source carrier (2) in a plan view.

[0252] (Form 16) The lighting device (100) according to Embodiment 15, wherein the distance monitoring system (4) is configured to request adjustment of the operation of the lighting device (100) by changing the distance between each electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) and the irradiated object (200).

[0253] (Form 17) a) Apply the medicinal substance to the skin surface of the area to be treated. b) Position the skin area to be treated at a predetermined target position (300) of the lighting device (100) described in Form 1, c) Irradiating the area of ​​skin to be treated with the illumination device (100) A treatment method for skin diseases, including the following.

[0254] (Form 18) A measurement signal indicating the distance between at least one of the radiation emission units (10) and the irradiated object (200) is prepared. The system is configured to generate an operation signal as a function of the measurement signal, and the operation signal is configured to trigger a request from the lighting device (100) to adjust the operation of the lighting device (100). A method of operating the lighting device (100) described in Embodiment 1, including the following.

[0255] (Form 19) This includes executing the start sequence before the lighting time, The execution of the start sequence is as follows: Switch on the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) so that each of the distance sensors assigned to measure the distance to the irradiation target (200) is activated. The distance of each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) to the irradiation target (200) is adjusted until the distance falls within the irradiation range. When the distance of each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) is within the irradiation range, the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) are operated in low-intensity mode in order to irradiate the target (200) with a low radiation intensity. While maintaining the distance of each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) to the irradiation target (200) within the irradiation range, the position of the irradiation target (200) relative to the illumination device (100) is adjusted. When the distance from the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) to the irradiation target (200) falls outside the irradiation range, the electromagnetic radiation emission unit is switched from the low-intensity mode to the no-intensity mode. When the position of the irradiated object (200) relative to the lighting device (100) is adjusted, at least one electromagnetic radiation emission unit is switched to the standard intensity mode. The method according to embodiment 17 or 18, including the act of doing so.

[0256] (Form 20) A computer program product comprising machine-readable instructions that, when loaded and executed by a processor, are configured to cause the lighting device to execute the method described in form 18.

[0257] (Form 21) A computer-readable medium storing the computer program product described in form 20.

[0258] (Form 22) A lighting device (100) for photodynamic therapy, The lighting device (100) comprises five or more electromagnetic radiation emitting units (10), Each of the electromagnetic radiation emitting units (10) has a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (1), The electromagnetic radiation source (1) is configured to generate radiation for irradiating an area of an irradiation target (200) during an illumination time, The irradiation target (200) is arranged at a predetermined target position (300), The predetermined target position (300) is arranged at a distance from the radiation output region (11) of the electromagnetic radiation emitting unit (10), and the radiation generated by the electromagnetic radiation source (1) exits from each of the electromagnetic radiation emitting units (10) through the radiation output region (11) during operation of the lighting device (100), The electromagnetic radiation emitting units (10) are arranged in a C-shaped configuration and / or a semi-circular configuration, In each of the electromagnetic radiation emitting units (10), The plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (1) are arranged on a radiation source carrier (2), The radiation source carrier (2) is an elongated carrier having a main extension direction defining a longitudinal direction (L), The electromagnetic radiation sources (1) on the radiation source carrier (2) are grouped into a plurality of groups (12, 13, 14), and the electromagnetic radiation sources (1) of each group (12, 13, 14) are arranged in a regular two-dimensional group pattern, and at least two of the plurality of groups (12, 13) have different group patterns, Each group (12, 13, 14) has multiple rows and columns of electromagnetic radiation sources (1), The first group (12) having the first group pattern is positioned between the second group (13) and the third group (14) along the vertical direction in a plan view of the radiation source carrier (2). The second group (13) and the third group (14) have the same group pattern, while the first group (12) has a different group pattern. The first group (12) has a lower occupied density of the electromagnetic radiation source (1) than the second group (13) and the third group (14). The first group (12), the second group (13), and the third group (14) all have the same number of electromagnetic radiation sources (1), A lighting device (100) in which the distance between two adjacent groups is greater than the maximum distance between the electromagnetic radiation sources (1) in the rows and / or columns of the two adjacent groups, and the distance between the two adjacent groups is defined by the minimum distance between the two electromagnetic radiation sources (1) of these adjacent groups.

[0259] (Form 23) A lighting device (100) for photodynamic therapy, The lighting device (100) comprises five or more electromagnetic radiation emission units (10), Each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) has a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (1), The electromagnetic radiation source (1) is configured to generate radiation to irradiate a region of the object to be irradiated (200) during the illumination time. The irradiation target (200) is placed at a predetermined target position (300). The predetermined target position (300) is positioned at a distance from the radiation output area (11) of the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10), and the radiation generated by the electromagnetic radiation source (1) is emitted from each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) through the radiation output area (11) during the operation of the lighting device (100). The lighting device (100) includes a position or distance monitoring system (4), which is configured to monitor the position and / or distance of the irradiated object (200) from the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) and / or from the predetermined target position (300). The monitoring system (4) has a plurality of distance sensors (40), and each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) is assigned a distance sensor (40) for measuring the distance between the irradiation target (200) and each of the radiation emission units (40). The monitoring system (4) is configured to request adjustments to the operation of the lighting device (100) by changing the distance between each electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) and the irradiated object (200), The lighting device (100) is configured as follows: Each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units operates in a low-intensity mode when the distance of the radiation emission unit (10) to the irradiation target (200) is within the irradiation range near a reference distance, and the low-intensity mode is a mode in which the radiation intensity emitted by the radiation emission unit (10) is less than the reference radiation intensity used during the illumination time. Each of the radiation emission units (10) is automatically switched from a low-intensity mode to a no-intensity mode when the distance of the radiation emission unit (10) from the irradiation target (200) is outside the irradiation range, and the no-intensity mode is a mode in which the radiation emission unit (10) does not emit radiation. Each of the aforementioned radiation emission units (10) can be switched from a low-intensity mode to a standard-intensity mode where the radiation intensity is the standard intensity. The aforementioned reference distance is 12.5 cm, and the aforementioned irradiation range is 1.5 cm. In each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10), Multiple electromagnetic radiation sources (1) are arranged on a radiation source carrier (2), The assigned distance sensor (40) is positioned offset from the geometric center of the radiation source carrier (2) in a plan view of the lighting device (100).

[0260] It should be noted that this disclosure encompasses all single features disclosed above and in the claims as separate features, i.e., without reference to other features disclosed in the same context or in the referenced embodiments. Furthermore, features disclosed in relation to different aspects or embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0261] This patent application claims priority over U.S. Patent Application 17 / 071,496 (filed October 15, 2020) and U.S. Patent Application 17 / 215,785 (filed March 29, 2021), the disclosures thereof incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0262] 1 radiation source 2. Radiation source carriers 3 Unit Housing 4. Monitoring System 10 Radiation emission units 10a~10e Visual display section of the radiation emission unit 11. Radiation output range 12 Group 1 13. Group 2 14. Group 3 15 Hinge 20 Career connections 30 Outer edge 40 Distance Sensor 41 Electronic control unit 42 Engine 43 Connectors 44 connectors 45 Visual User Interface 100 Lighting devices 200 Irradiation Targets 300 Target position L (vertical direction) T horizontal direction V Main radiation direction A1-A5 Data Sample Z1~Z6 Data Samples S1-S3 Method Steps

Claims

1. A lighting device (100) for photodynamic therapy, The lighting device (100) comprises at least one electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10), The at least one electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) has at least one electromagnetic radiation source (1), The electromagnetic radiation source (1) is configured to generate radiation to irradiate a region of the target (200) during the illumination time. The irradiation target (200) is positioned at a predetermined target position (300). The predetermined target position (300) is positioned at a distance from the radiation output area (11) of the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10), and is configured such that the radiation generated by the at least one electromagnetic radiation source (1) is emitted from the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) through the radiation output area (11) during the operation of the lighting device (100). The electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) has a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (1) arranged on a common radiation source carrier (2), A lighting device (100) wherein the occupied density of the radiation source carrier (2) with respect to the electromagnetic radiation source (1) is smaller in the central region of the radiation source carrier (2) than in the peripheral region of the radiation source carrier (2) outside the central region.

2. The electromagnetic radiation source (1) is arranged on the radiation source carrier (2) in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional pattern. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the pattern is irregular as needed.

3. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radiation source carrier (2) is a long carrier having a main extension direction that defines the vertical direction (L).

4. The electromagnetic radiation source (1) is arranged on the radiation source carrier (2) in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional pattern, The lighting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the pattern is symmetrical with respect to one or two axes, and the one axis and the two axes are orthogonal.

5. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic radiation sources (1) on the radiation source carrier (2) are grouped into a plurality of groups (12, 13, 14), the electromagnetic radiation sources (1) in each group (12, 13, 14) are arranged in a regular group pattern, and at least two of the plurality of groups (12, 13) have different group patterns.

6. Of the plurality of groups (12, 13, 14), at least two groups (13, 14) have the same group pattern. as needed, The first group (12) having the first group pattern is positioned between the second group (13) and the third group (14) in a plan view of the radiation source carrier (2). The lighting device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the second group (13) and the third group (14) have the same group pattern, and the first group (12) has a different group pattern.

7. The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) has a unit housing (3) that defines the outer edge (30) of the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10).

8. The electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) has a plurality of radiation source carriers (2), and each of the radiation source carriers (2) is provided with a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (1), The lighting device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the radiation source carrier (2) closest to the outer edge (30) is oriented such that the main radiation direction (V) of the electromagnetic radiation source (1) on the radiation source carrier (2) is shifted outward from the main radiation direction (V) of the electromagnetic radiation source (1) on another radiation source carrier (2) further away from the outer edge (30).

9. The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) includes one continuous radiation source carrier (2) common to all of the electromagnetic radiation sources (1) of the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10).

10. The electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) has a plurality of radiation source carriers (2), each of the radiation source carriers (2) has a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (1), and at least two of the radiation source carriers (2) are arranged at an angle to each other. The aforementioned radiation source carrier (2) is Their relative positions are fixed, They can move relative to each other. A lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. The at least one electromagnetic radiation source (1) is an optoelectronic component, The emission spectrum of the aforementioned optoelectronic component has a peak wavelength in one of the following ranges: 635 nm ± 4 nm, 542 nm ± 4 nm, 506 nm ± 4 nm, 417 nm ± 5 nm. and / or, The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) connected to each other so as to be able to move relative to one another.

12. The lighting device (100) is equipped with a position or distance monitoring system (4), The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the monitoring system (4) is configured to monitor the position and / or distance of the irradiated object (200) from the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) and / or from the predetermined target position (300).

13. The monitoring system (4) has a distance sensor (40) positioned on the radiation source carrier (2) of at least one of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10), The distance sensor (40) is positioned offset from the geometric center of the radiation source carrier (2) in a plan view. as needed, The lighting device (100) according to claim 12, wherein the lighting device (100) is configured to compensate for the distance of the irradiated object (200) from each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) and / or for positional fluctuations of the predetermined object position (300) in order to maintain a predetermined radiation dose during the lighting time.

14. The monitoring system (4) is configured to adjust the operation of the lighting device (100) or to request adjustment of the operation of the lighting device (100) using any, any combination, or all of the following means: The distance between each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10) and the irradiation target (200) is changed. Adjust the radiation power emitted by each of the electromagnetic radiation emission units (10), and / or Adjust the duration of the lighting. The lighting device (100) according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The aforementioned lighting device (100) The electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) operates in low-intensity mode when the distance between the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) and the irradiation target (200) is within the irradiation range centered on a reference distance, and the low-intensity mode is a mode in which the radiation intensity emitted by the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) is lower than the reference radiation intensity used during the illumination time. When the distance between the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) and the irradiation target (200) moves outside the irradiation range, the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) automatically switches from the low-intensity mode to the no-intensity mode, in which the electromagnetic radiation emission unit (10) does not emit radiation. It is configured in such a way, as needed, The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein when the power to the electromagnetic radiation emission unit is turned on, it defaults to the no-intensity mode, and only the distance monitoring system becomes operational.

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