Independent device for purple light delivery for preventing or slowing progression of myopia

Abstract

A standalone device may detect a user's face / eyes and provide purple light to the user. The apparatus may include a fixture mounted on the platform and at least one motor for moving the platform. A directional light source coupled to the processor may emit a light signal directed toward the adjustable focus. A camera coupled to the processor may detect a user and provide an image of the user's face to the processor. The processor may signal the motor to direct the orientation of the platform to center the eye to the frame and adjust focus. A distance sensor coupled to the processor may estimate the distance between the fixture and the eye to ensure that an appropriate light energy density is applied to the user. A camera, a directional light source, and / or a distance sensor may be embedded in the fixture.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 394,385, filed on August 2, 2022, entitled “STAND-ALONE APPLIANCE FOR VIOLETLIGHT DELIVERY TO PREVENT OR SLOW THE PROGRESSION OF MYOPIA” The entire contents of this provisional application are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to preventing or slowing the progression of myopia, and more particularly, to systems and methods for preventing or slowing the progression of myopia using a stand-alone device that delivers VL to an eye(s) of a user. Background Art

[0004] Myopia (also known as nearsightedness) is a common refractive disease of the eye that prevails around the world, and the prevalence is increasing. In fact, it is predicted that by 2050, 50% of the world's population will be affected by myopia. People with myopia can see near objects clearly, but distant objects look blurry. Myopia tends to develop and progress most rapidly during childhood and adolescence, but may occur or worsen at any time in a person's life. As people increase near vision tasks (such as using computers, smart phones, tablet computers, etc.) and / or spend more time indoors (wherein indoor lighting rarely includes light with a wavelength below 400nm), the risk of myopia onset or deterioration is considered to increase. One method for alleviating the risk of myopia or slowing down the progress of myopia is to make people spend a certain amount of time outdoors (for example, under sunlight including a wavelength less than 400nm). However, for many people in developed countries, spending regular time outdoors under unshielded sunlight to achieve the amount of time required to slow down the occurrence of myopia is becoming more difficult to achieve (for example, due to school requirements, climate change, increased computer and phone use, etc.). In people who are unable or unwilling to spend an adequate amount of time outdoors, other methods are needed to increase the amount of light having wavelengths below 400 nm (such as violet light) to which they are exposed in order to slow or prevent the progression of myopia. Summary of the invention

[0005] A stand-alone device may be used to deliver violet light to a user to slow or prevent the progression of myopia. The stand-alone device may identify the user and deliver a predefined amount of violet light to the user from a violet light source directed toward the user's eyes while operating at low power. The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for preventing or slowing the progression of myopia using a stand-alone device.

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure includes a system for preventing or slowing the progression of myopia. The system may include a fixture mounted on a platform and at least one motor configured to move the platform. The system may also include: a directional light source coupled to a processor that can emit a light signal (including purple light) directed to an adjustable focus; a camera coupled to the processor that can detect the presence of a user and provide an image of the user's face to the processor, wherein the processor signals the at least one motor to guide the orientation of the platform so that the eye is in the center of the frame and begins adjusting the adjustable focus of the directional light source; and a distance sensor coupled to the processor that can estimate the distance between the fixture and the eye to ensure that an appropriate light energy density is applied to the eye. It should be noted that at least one of the camera, the directional light source, and the distance sensor can be embedded in the fixture.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure includes a method for preventing or slowing the progression of myopia. The steps of the method may be performed by a system including a processor. The steps of the method include: recognizing the presence of a user via at least one camera in communication with the processor; identifying the user from a stored group of one or more users of the system; and providing directional therapeutic light treatment (e.g., violet light) to at least one eye of the user via a directional light source. At least one of the directional light sources and the at least one camera can be moved by at least one motor in communication with the processor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 A diagram showing a system that can prevent or slow the progression of myopia using a stand-alone device that delivers ultraviolet light to a user;

[0010] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Example components of a fixing member;

[0011] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Show Figure 1 An example implementation of a system of;

[0012] Figure 5 Shows that it can be used to Figure 4 An example of firmware for system operation;

[0013] Figure 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for preventing or slowing the progression of myopia using a stand-alone device that delivers ultraviolet light to a user;

[0014] Figure 7 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for detecting a user;

[0015] Figure 8 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for delivering VL to a user's eye;

[0016] Fig. 9 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for adjusting the amount of VL treatment delivered to a user; and

[0017] Fig.10 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for detecting a user's eyewear designed to block light. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] I. Definitions

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] As used herein, the terms “include” and / or “comprises” may specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups.

[0022] As used herein, the term "and / or" may include any and all combinations of one or more than one of the associated listed items.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "first", "second", etc. should not limit the elements described by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the "first" element discussed below may also be referred to as the "second" element. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, the order of operations (or actions / steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or drawings.

[0024] As used herein, the term "nearsightedness" (also known as "myopia") may refer to a common visual condition in which objects that are close are seen clearly, but objects that are farther away are blurry.

[0025] As used herein, the term "violet light" (also referred to as "VL") may refer to light at the short wavelength end of the visible spectrum (having a shorter wavelength than blue light), and may include ultraviolet light. VL may be administered to a user as a light signal that serves as a treatment (also referred to as light treatment) for preventing or slowing the progression of myopia for the user. As an example, the violet light may have a wavelength between 310nm and 450nm. As another example, the violet light may have a wavelength between 360nm and 400nm.

[0026] As used herein, the term "stand-alone device" may refer to a device that is substantially self-contained and is not integrated into or attached to a device that has another purpose.

[0027] As used herein, the term "fixture" is a support device that can be mounted on a platform and can include one or more components (e.g., the one or more components can be embedded in or attached to the fixture). The components can include, for example, a camera, a directional light source, and / or a distance sensor.

[0028] As used herein, the term "motor" may refer to hardware that imparts motion. For example, a motor may be used to move a platform with at least one degree of freedom (a direction of motion with varying degrees of freedom). For example, motion may be left / right motion, up / down motion, rotation, etc. caused by a servo motor.

[0029] As used herein, the term "ambient light" may refer to any light that illuminates the environment surrounding the user. As an example, ambient light may be natural light (e.g., sunlight) or artificial light (e.g., from a lamp or overhead light).

[0030] As used herein, the term "user" (which may also be referred to as a "subject" or "patient", etc.) may refer to a person of any age who uses a standalone device to deliver VL to at least one eye for the purpose of preventing or slowing the progression of myopia.

[0031] II. Summary

[0032] The present disclosure generally relates to preventing or slowing the progression of myopia with violet light. Myopia is a common eye disease in which a person can clearly see a near object, but a distant object looks blurry. Myopia is already quite common, and its prevalence is steadily increasing around the world as people engage in more near vision tasks and / or spend more time indoors. It is believed that the onset and / or progression of myopia can be mitigated or slowed down by being exposed to a certain amount of unobstructed sunlight every day and / or every week. However, for many people in developed countries, spending regular time outdoors under unobstructed sunlight to achieve the amount of time required to slow down the occurrence of myopia is becoming more difficult to achieve (e.g., due to school requirements, climate change, increased computer and telephone use, etc.). It has been assumed that the difference between outdoor light and indoor light is that outdoor light naturally includes violet wavelengths, while indoor light generally does not include such wavelengths. Therefore, violet light can be delivered to people's eyes, hoping to achieve the same results as spending appropriate time outdoors.

[0033] As described herein, a stand-alone device (e.g., about the size of a standard 12-ounce beverage can) can be used to deliver ultraviolet light to a user to slow or prevent the progression of myopia. The stand-alone device can be used by anyone who cannot spend an appropriate amount of time outdoors to prevent or slow the progression of myopia. However, it is assumed that children, teenagers, and college students have special needs for such ultraviolet light treatment and can benefit the most from it. The stand-alone device may include a camera imaging system for face / eye detection and an electric ultraviolet light source that tracks the detected face / eyes and directs the light to at least one of the detected eyes without exposing the rest of the user to the light. The stand-alone device may be used at low power (e.g., less than 0.31 W / cm 2 ) operation. In some instances, the standalone device can identify the user from the group of users, determine how much ultraviolet light the user has received, and ensure that an appropriate predefined amount of ultraviolet light is delivered to the user. Therefore, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for preventing the onset of myopia or slowing the progression of myopia using a standalone device.

[0034] III. System

[0035] One aspect of the present disclosure includes a system 100 ( Figure 1). As an example, a stand-alone device can configure and / or deliver VL treatment to an eye of a user. The stand-alone device can be substantially self-contained and not integrated into or attached to a device having another purpose. As an example, the stand-alone device can be about the size of a standard 12-ounce beverage can. In some instances, the stand-alone device can be shaped like a standard 12-ounce beverage can. However, it should be understood that the stand-alone device can be of any shape and / or size, and that a standard 12-ounce beverage can is merely an example of size and shape. The stand-alone device can be configured to deliver VL treatment to one or more eyes of a user using one or more directional beams of VL. It should be understood that VL generally includes light at the short wavelength end of the visible spectrum (e.g., a wavelength smaller than that of blue light), and may include ultraviolet light. As an example, VL can have a wavelength between 310nm and 450nm. As another example, VL can have a wavelength between 360nm and 400nm.

[0036] VL treatment can be delivered to one or more eyes of the user's eyes by an independent device to prevent or slow down the progress of myopia (also referred to as myopia) in one or more eyes of the user's eyes. Myopia may occur or worsen for users of any age, particularly due to increased near vision tasks (such as using computers, smart phones, tablet computers, etc.) or spending more time indoors, etc. Therefore, one or more eyes of any user (of any age) can benefit from the delivery of VL. However, since myopia tends to develop and progress most rapidly during childhood and adolescence, one or more eyes of users less than 25 years old can witness more benefits from the delivery of VL. Independent devices can be positioned near places where users will spend a certain amount of time without having to move too much (e.g., near homework locations, computers, TVs, etc.). For example, independent devices can be portable so that users can move independent devices from one location to another as needed.

[0037] The stand-alone device can apply VL treatment as a directional beam toward one or more eyes of the user while minimizing the purple light that contacts other parts of the user (e.g., face, hands, neck, etc.). For example, VL treatment can be applied to one eye at a time (e.g., complete treatment for one eye and then move to the other eye), VL treatment can be applied simultaneously (e.g., with two beams), or VL treatment can be applied concurrently (e.g., switch from one eye to the other until both eyes receive a full treatment dose). The stand-alone device can be configured to be used by multiple users and can be configured to detect what user is being treated at a time through facial recognition. The stand-alone device can save profiles of each user, which can include facial data and identity data, age, relevant health-related data, and the amount and schedule of the dose (including whether a partial dose is applied within a given time period and whether the partial dose needs to be completed). The stand-alone device can also be configured to detect the eyes of the identified user so that the stand-alone device can appropriately direct the beam to the user's eyes (e.g., pupils) to obtain the best results. The stand-alone device can also detect if the user is wearing violet-blocking lenses (e.g., glasses or contact lenses that contain a coating or material that filters violet light) and require the user to remove the lenses before VL treatment can be applied.

[0038] In its simplest form, the system 100 may include a fixture 102, a movable platform 104, and one or more motors ((one or more) motors 106). The fixture 102 may be positioned on the movable platform 104. As an example, the fixture 102 may be mounted on the movable platform 104 by mechanical means (e.g., welding, extrusion, 3D printing, screwing, adhesive, etc.), may be part of the movable platform (e.g., formed together), etc. The one or more motors ((one or more) motors 106) may be configured to move the movable platform 104 with at least one degree of freedom, and thereby move the fixture 102 mounted on the movable platform with at least one degree of freedom. For example, the one or more motors ((one or more) motors 106) may be configured to translate the movable platform 104 and / or rotate the movable platform. In one example, each of the one or more motors can move the movable platform 104 in at least one of left / right motion, up / down motion, or rotational motion. In another example, at least one motor ((one or more than one) motor 106) can move the movable platform 104 left / right and tilt the movable platform up and down. The one or more motors can be at least one of a servo motor, a linear motor, a servo motor, an AC motor, a DC motor, and a direct drive motor. The one or more motors ((one or more than one) motor 106) can be located outside or inside the stand-alone device.

[0039] For the purpose of generating VL therapy to be directed to one or more eyes of the user, the fixture 102 may have one or more components attached to and / or housed therein. The fixture 102 may be, for example, a housing and / or a skeleton-like structure. The fixture 102 may be, at least in part, one or more of a polymer and a metal material. Figure 2 As shown, the fixture 102 may include components such as a processor 202, a memory 204, and multiple components such as, but not limited to, a directional light source 206, a camera 208, and a distance sensor 210. Other components may also be attached to the fixture 102 and / or housed in the fixture 102. In some instances, the processor 202 may perform actions reflected in instructions stored in the memory 204. For example, the processor 202 may be a microprocessor that may perform actions associated with the memory 204 and the processor 202. The fixture 102 may serve as a support or housing for the memory 204, the processor 202, and one or more components. In practice, at least one of the one or more components (e.g., the directional light source 206, the camera 208, the distance sensor 210, etc.) may be embedded in the fixture 102 or attached to the fixture 102. However, all components, whether embedded in the fixture 102 or not embedded in the fixture 102, may be disposed on the movable platform 104.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the directional light source 206, the camera 208, and the distance sensor 210 can be in electrical communication with the processor 202 and the memory 204 to provide directional VL therapy to one or more eyes of the user. Providing directional VL therapy to one or more eyes of the user can include at least generating VL and irradiating the VL into one or more eyes of the user for a period of time. The directional light source 206 can emit VL and can be movable to direct the VL into at least one of the user's eyes. The camera 208 can detect the presence of the user and / or determine the position of at least one of the user's eyes. The distance sensor 210 can determine how far the user is from the stand-alone device and guide the directional light source 206 to direct the VL to at least one eye of the user in a focused manner. Figure 2 206, camera 208, and distance sensor 210 are shown, but alternative and / or additional components may be utilized to provide directional VL therapy to one or more eyes of a user and / or to provide any other actions described herein. The various components may be coupled to processor 202 (and, in some instances, memory 204) via wired or wireless connections to facilitate communication of data and instructions.

[0041] The directional light source 206 may emit a light signal directed to an adjustable focus. The directional light source 206 may include one or more light sources (e.g., a light bulb, LED, OLED, PLED, AMOLED, laser, etc.). The directional light source 206 may include one or more optical components (e.g., lenses, reflectors, etc.) to focus the light generated from the non-focused light source and / or adjust the focus of the light signal entering from the non-focused light source or the focused light source. The light signal may include a VL of at least one wavelength to be delivered to the user as a treatment. Therefore, the directional light source 206 may include at least one VL source for treatment purposes. However, in order to help the distance sensor 210, the directional light source 206 may also include one or more red light sources for measurement purposes. The directional light source 206 may include one or more light sources for emitting light of different wavelengths, for example, the directional light source may include at least one of a purple light source, an ultraviolet light source, a red light source, and an infrared light source. In one example, the directional light source 206 may include a purple light source and an infrared light source. In another example, the directional light source 206 may include a filter that can determine the wavelength of the emitted light. As an example, violet and ultraviolet light may be used for treatment, while red and infrared light may be used for measurement.

[0042] The camera 208 may be electrically coupled to the processor 202 (e.g., wired or wirelessly connected), and may detect the presence of a user (e.g., by using image capture at a predetermined frame rate and instructions on the processor to compare frames for frame-to-frame changes indicating the presence of a moving object / person that may be a user, and to determine whether the moving object is a person and whether it is a user of the system based on stored information), and provide an image of the user's face to the processor 202 (e.g., upon detecting a moving object / person). In response to receiving the image of the user's face, the processor 202 may then actuate at least one motor ( Figure 1The (one or more) motors 106 in the camera 208 signal to guide the orientation of the platform (movable platform 104) so ​​that the user's eyes are in the center of the frame of the camera 208, and begin adjusting the adjustable focus of the directional light source 206 so that the focus is consistent with the position of the eyes. The distance sensor 210 can be electrically coupled to the processor 202 (e.g., wired or wirelessly connected), and can estimate the distance between the fixture 102 and the user's eyes to ensure that the appropriate light energy density is applied to the eyes. The light energy density can also be changed based on ambient light or the amount of VL that the user has received. The distance between each eye of the user can also be estimated. The distance sensor 210 can include an ultrasonic transmitter, a red light transmitter, an infrared transmitter, etc. As described above, the ultrasonic transmitter, the red light transmitter, the infrared transmitter, etc. can be in the directional light source 206. The distance sensor 210 can estimate the distance between the fixture 102 and the user's eyes based on the reflectivity of the light beam (e.g., the infrared beam) leaving the object (e.g., the user's eyes). In some instances, the reflectivity can be detected by the camera 208.

[0043] exist Figure 3 1. An example stand-alone device 300 is shown in FIG. The example stand-alone device 300 includes a base 302 attached to the movable platform 104. The base 302 can house a processor 306, a memory 304, and in some examples, at least one motor ((one or more) motors 106), which can be described above with respect to FIG. Figure 2 The work (wherein the processor 202 and the memory 204 are housed in the fixture 102). The processor 306 and / or the memory 304 may also be separate from the base 302 (for example, may be combined with the processor 202 and / or the memory 204 housed in the fixture). In some instances, both the fixture 102 and the base 302 may include processors 202 and 306 and memories 204 and 304, which may share components of the fixture 102 and / or the base 302 or communicate exclusively with components of the fixture 102 and / or the base 302. In other instances, the independent device may include only one processor and memory, or two processors 202 and 306 and shared memory. The base 302 may also include at least a second camera (wide-angle camera 308) and an ambient light detector ( Figure 3304). The base 302 may include a plurality of cameras, a plurality of cameras, and a plurality of peripheral devices. The base 302 may include a plurality of cameras, a plurality of cameras, and a plurality of peripheral devices. The plurality of cameras may include a plurality of cameras, a plurality of cameras, and a plurality of peripheral devices. The plurality of cameras may include a plurality of cameras, a plurality of cameras, and a plurality of peripheral devices. The plurality of cameras may include a plurality of cameras, a plurality of cameras, a plurality of peripheral devices, and a plurality of peripheral devices. The plurality of cameras may include a plurality of cameras, a plurality of cameras, a plurality of peripheral devices, and a plurality of peripheral devices. The plurality of cameras may include a plurality of cameras, a plurality of cameras, a plurality of peripheral devices, and a plurality of peripheral devices. The plurality of cameras may include a plurality of cameras, a plurality of cameras, a plurality of peripheral devices, and a plurality of peripheral devices. The plurality of cameras may include a plurality of cameras, a plurality of peripheral devices, a plurality of peripheral devices, and a plurality of peripheral devices.

[0044] The processor 306 may execute instructions stored in the memory 304 (e.g., non-transitory memory) to recognize the presence of a user (e.g., using the wide-angle camera 308 to detect a person), and recognize the identity of the user from a stored set of one or more users of the system (utilized to compare with the captured image (one or more) of the user's face) (e.g., using the camera 208 of the fixture 102 to capture the image (one or more) of the user's face). For example, the stored set of one or more users of the system may be stored in the memory 304. The stored set of one or more users of the system may be input, for example, by each user utilizing a user interface and following instructions for creating a facial recognition profile. The processor 306 may identify the user based on an image of the user's face detected by the camera 208 of the fixture 102. After the processor 306 recognizes the presence and identity of the user, the processor may then provide directional therapeutic light treatment to at least one eye of the user via the directional light source 206 of the fixture 102. The processor 306 can determine the treatment length (and / or power) for the user based on at least one of the following items: the user profile, the amount of ambient light detected by the ambient light detector, and the amount of at least one type of light received by the user that day stored in the non-volatile memory 304 (e.g., light from a previous treatment session, light detected by a sensor worn by the user during daily activities that wirelessly communicates with the memory 304, etc.), etc.

[0045] Figure 4A block diagram 400 is shown of the communication relationships (wired and / or wireless) between components of a stand-alone device for providing direct VL therapy using a control circuit 410. The control circuit 410 (which may include a processor (or more) and a memory (or more)) may receive power from a power circuit 404. The power circuit 404 may include a power source such as one or more batteries, one or more rechargeable batteries, one or more panels for renewable energy (e.g., solar energy), and / or an external plug for AC and / or DC power. When the stand-alone device is powered, the control circuit 410 may send instructions / commands to other components of the stand-alone device and receive data from other components of the stand-alone device. For example, the control circuit 410 may send instructions to the wide-angle camera 308 to detect the presence of a user and / or a person at a given rate, and may then receive image data and determine whether the presence of a person (e.g., a user) is detected. Once the control circuit 410 detects the presence of a user, the control circuit may instruct the camera 208 to detect an image of the person / user and send the image data to the control circuit. The control circuit 410 may determine the identity of the user based on the image data from the camera 208 based on the user image database. The control circuit 410 may also send instructions to the (one or more) motors 106 to translate and / or rotate (e.g., right / left, up / down, etc.) to adjust the direction so that the (one or more) light sources 402 are aimed at the user's eyes. Once the (one or more) light sources 402 are aimed at the user's eyes, the (one or more) motors 106 may stop moving the (one or more) light sources 402, and the (one or more) light sources may deliver a predefined dose of VL to the user's eyes. The (one or more) motors 106 may also move the (one or more) light sources 402 as needed during the delivery of the VL to maintain VL treatment directed at at least one of the user's eyes in the event that the user moves (e.g., fidgets, shifts, tilts the head, etc.).

[0046] The control circuit 410 may also communicate with and control the sensor(s) 406. The sensor(s) 406 may include, but are not limited to, a distance sensor and an ambient light detector. The sensor(s) 406 may be different sensors or may be embodied at least in part using the wide angle camera 308, the camera 208, and the light source(s) 402. For example, the distance sensor may include an infrared light source, whose reflectivity (e.g., away from a person) may be detected by one of the camera 208 and / or the wide angle camera 308 or by another photodetector of the distance sensor itself. In another example, the ambient light detector may detect ambient violet light levels and / or whether the user is wearing a pair of lenses (e.g., glasses or contact lenses, etc.) that reflect violet or UV light. To detect ambient violet light levels, the sensor(s) 406 may include additional light detectors and / or utilize the camera 208 and / or the wide angle camera 308. To detect whether the user is wearing a pair of lenses that reflect violet or UV light, sensor(s) 406 may utilize a violet light source and measure reflectivity near the eye using an additional light detector, and / or utilize camera 208 and / or wide angle camera 308. Control circuitry 410 may instruct sensor(s) 406, wide angle camera 308, camera 208, and / or light source(s) 402 to at least perform the operations described above.

[0047] Figure 5An example flow chart showing the processing that a standalone device may perform to provide directional VL light therapy to a user. Not all of the processing shown is necessary for each provision of directional therapeutic light and may be skipped. The standalone device may start in an idle state, in which the standalone device may be briefly powered on (e.g., 1 second, a few seconds, etc., every 10 seconds, every 30 seconds, etc.), and image captures are collected using a field of view camera in a camera in a base of the standalone device (in some instances, a camera in a fixture may also be used), and a processor may run a person (or mobile) detection algorithm to detect whether a moving object (such as a person who may be a user, etc.) is within the detection range of the standalone device. If the standalone device does not detect a moving object, the standalone device remains in an idle state. If the standalone device does detect a moving object, the standalone device enters a person detection state. In the person detection state, the base camera (or in some instances, the fixture camera) may acquire frames at a higher rate than during the idle state, and the process may run an algorithm to determine whether the object detected by the camera is a person and whether the person is within the range of the standalone device (e.g., device). If the moving object is not a person (e.g., an animal or inanimate object), or if a person is present in the frame before person detection can be completed, the standalone device returns to the idle state. If a person is detected and remains within the range of the standalone device, the standalone device enters the seat occupant detection mode and uses the algorithm and the base camera (or in some instances, the fixture camera) frames that are still being acquired to determine whether the person has taken a seat. If the person is not seated, and optionally leaves the range, the standalone device returns to the person detection mode.

[0048] If it is determined that a person has sat down within the range of the standalone device, the standalone device enters a face detection mode (e.g., to identify whether the person is a user). In the face detection mode, the standalone device runs an algorithm to identify the face in the frame recorded by the base camera (or in some instances, the fixed part camera) from the camera feed, and uses the position information to guide the head camera of the standalone device (e.g., the device) toward the face of the user. The user can be identified from the group of users in the database. If the user's face cannot be detected (e.g., the person has left their seat), the standalone device reverts to the seated person detection mode. If a face is detected and recognized, the standalone device enters an eye position determination mode, in which the head camera (e.g., the fixed part camera) (or in some instances, the base camera) feed is processed by an algorithm to identify the user's eyes, and the eye position determination mode can adjust the position of the head camera (e.g., the fixed part camera) until the eye (or at least one eye) is in the center of the frame of the head camera. These adjustments can be made by one or more motors of the standalone device controlled by the algorithm. If the location of the eye(s) cannot be determined (e.g., the face is obscured by hair or a ball cap, etc.), the standalone device returns to face detection mode. If the eye(s) are detected and the eye(s) can be centered within the frame of the head camera (e.g., a fixture camera), the standalone device begins distance measurement mode. In distance measurement mode, the infrared or violet light source of the standalone device can be pulsed during adjustment of the focus of the violet light source. The head camera (e.g., the fixture camera) (or in some instances, the base camera) can collect captured images of the user's face during adjustment of the flash until the processor can determine that the light bead is focused to the size of the pupil and focused on one of the pupils (e.g., the left pupil or the right pupil, although the left pupil is shown). The head module (e.g., a fixture on the platform) can be moved by at least one motor.

[0049] When the distance measurement mode is completed and the violet light source is focused at the user's pupil, the independent device can then enter the surrounding violet light (VL) detection mode. In the surrounding violet light detection mode, the independent device can measure the surrounding violet light level between violet light pulses (or in some instances, when no light is being pulsed) to determine the appropriate treatment power level (e.g., intensity) based on the surrounding violet light. The surrounding violet light detection mode can also determine whether the user is wearing UV and / or violet light reflecting lenses (e.g., glasses or contact lenses) during the violet light pulse based on whether the threshold of violet light reflection is exceeded in the user's camera frame during the surrounding violet light detection mode. If no violet light reflection is detected, the independent device directly enters the violet light (VL) treatment mode. If a violet light reflection above the threshold is detected, the independent device bypasses to the violet light (VL) reflection lens state. In the violet light (VL) reflection lens state, the independent device notifies the user that the lens (e.g., glasses or contact lenses) must be removed before treatment can begin and / or the lens (e.g., glasses or contact lenses) must be replaced with a non-violet light reflecting lens (e.g., glasses or contact lenses). Such notifications may be audible, visual and / or tactile, and may be provided, for example, by a display or speaker associated with the standalone device. If the user does not remove the lens within a certain number of notifications within a certain time period, the standalone device may be deactivated. If the user removes the lens, a violet light (VL) treatment mode begins. In the violet light (VL) treatment mode, the violet light source is turned on to an appropriate power (for treatment) and is maintained for a treatment period while keeping the light bead (e.g., focal point) centered and appropriately focused on the user's pupil. In one example, treatment may be applied to one eye for 30 seconds, and then treatment may be switched to the other eye for another 30 seconds for a preprogrammed total iteration amount. When the total therapeutic dose has been delivered, the standalone device may then stop treatment until the next scheduled period for treatment (e.g., the next day). In one instance, if treatment is interrupted, the standalone device may record the level (amount) of treatment received for that particular user in case the user returns later in the same scheduled treatment period so that the user receives only one total therapeutic dose in the scheduled treatment period.

[0050] IV. Methods

[0051] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include methods 600 to 1000 for preventing or slowing the progression of myopia using a standalone device that can provide ultraviolet light treatment to a user. Figures 6 to 10 ). Methods 600 to 1000 may use the above Figures 1 to 5 The invention can be implemented by any of the systems and devices described.

[0052] Methods 600 to 1000 are illustrated as process flow diagrams with flowchart illustrations. For simplicity, methods 600 to 1000 are shown and described as being performed sequentially; however, it is to be understood and appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited by the illustrated order, as some steps may occur in a different order and / or concurrently with other steps shown and described herein. In addition, all illustrated aspects may not be required to implement methods 600 to 1000.

[0053] Reference now Figure 6 , a method 600 for preventing or slowing the progression of myopia using a stand-alone device that delivers ultraviolet light to a user is illustrated. At step 602, the presence of a user may be received via at least one camera in communication with a processor of a system (e.g., a stand-alone device). The presence of a user may be identified by detecting a moving object within a frame of at least one camera, then determining whether the moving object is a person and detecting whether the person is within the range of the camera and / or directional light source of the stand-alone device. At step 604, the user may be identified from a storage group of one or more users of the system. The system may access a database containing information related to faces of a storage group of one or more users of the system (e.g., previously stored by the user during a setup process). The system may then perform facial recognition of the face of the detected user (e.g., a detected person) by comparing with information related to faces of a storage group of one or more users of the system by any given means. If the face is consistent with information related to one of the faces of the storage group of one or more users of the system, the person may be identified as a specific user of the system. At step 606, directional therapeutic light treatment may be provided to at least one eye of the user via the directional light source of the system. At least one of the directional light sources and at least one camera can be moved by at least one motor in communication with the processor to accomplish the above steps. As the user moves, the directional light source can move to follow the movement of at least one eye. In some instances, the intensity and / or time of the directional VL therapy can be altered based on which user is identified (e.g., based on a particular treatment regimen, sensor information, previous treatments during a given time period, etc.).

[0054] Reference now Figure 7, illustrating a method 700 for detecting a user. At step 702, a moving object may be detected by a processor in communication with at least one camera. The at least one camera may be recording at a given rate, and the processor may detect movement based on changes in the images recorded within a given time frame. At step 704, it may be determined that the moving object is a person. For example, the system may determine that the moving object is a person based on pattern recognition or another predetermined method using at least one camera and a processor. If the system determines that the moving object is not a person (e.g., an animal or inanimate object moving past at least one camera), the system may optionally shut down or return to scanning for a moving mode with a time delay for removing the non-human moving object from the frame of at least one camera. If the system determines that the moving object is a person, the system may detect via at least one camera whether the face of the person is within the range of a directional light source for providing VL treatment. For example, the system may detect that the person is sitting in front of the stand-alone device by detecting the height of the person's face. At step 708, the stand-alone device system may deliver VL treatment to at least one eye of the person.

[0055] Reference now Figure 8 , a method 800 for delivering VL to at least one eye of a user is illustrated. At step 802, the position of at least one eye of the user can be determined by a processor via at least one camera. In one example, the position of the two eyes of the user can be determined simultaneously or at different times. At step 804, the orientation of at least one camera can be guided via at least one motor communicating with the processor to focus on at least one eye of the user. In one example, at least one camera can be two cameras, and the orientation of each camera can be guided to focus on one eye of the user. In another example, at least one camera can be a camera that is sequentially guided toward to focus on each user in a given time period. At step 806, a focus for a directional light source can be established at the pupil of at least one eye of the user. In some examples, (e.g., in the presence of a second directional light source) a focus can be established at the pupil of the two eyes of the user at the same time. In another example, a focus can be established sequentially at the first eye of the user and then at the second eye of the user in a given time period, respectively.

[0056] Providing directional therapeutic VL treatment to at least one eye of a user via a directional light source of an independent device system may further include the following steps. The distance between the directional light source and at least one eye of the user may be measured at a given time. The intensity of the directional therapeutic light treatment may be adjusted based on the measured distance from the pupil of at least one eye. The orientation of the directional light source and at least one camera may be guided via at least one motor to maintain the focus of the directional light source at the pupil of at least one eye of the user when the user moves. For example, the user shifts their center of gravity, fidgets, tilts their head, etc. The system may adjust the focal length of the directional light source based on the measured distance so that the pupil-sized light bead is in the center of the pupil of at least one eye of the user. In this way, the purple light is focused on the eye and does not irradiate the rest of the user (because the purple light may be harmful to parts of the human body in the case of excessive exposure). These steps may be used for both eyes sequentially (one after another in a given time period) or simultaneously (if the independent device includes at least two directional light sources). Where the directed therapeutic light treatments are applied sequentially, the system may then apply the directed therapeutic light treatment to a first eye of the user in a first time period and then apply the directed therapeutic light treatment to a second eye of the user in a second time period following the first time period. The application to each eye may be repeated a preprogrammed number of times until a full dose has been applied to both eyes and / or until the user is no longer detectable by the standalone device (e.g., has walked away or moved out of frame).

[0057] Reference now Fig. 9 , a method 900 for adjusting the amount of VL treatment delivered to a user is illustrated. At step 902, the level of ambient violet light near a standalone device system can be measured via an ambient light sensor that communicates with a processor of the system. The ambient light sensor can be integrated with the standalone device, or located at a second location near the standalone device and in wireless or wired communication with the standalone device. At step 904, the intensity of the VL treatment to be delivered to the user can be determined taking into account the ambient violet light that the user has received (e.g., based on the ambient violet light level). At step 906, the brightness of the directional light source can be adjusted to set the intensity of the VL treatment taking into account the ambient violet light. For example, if the ambient light source detects a sufficiently high amount of violet light in the ambient light, the directional therapeutic light treatment can have a smaller intensity and / or be applied for a shorter time.

[0058] Reference now Fig.10, illustrates a method 1000 for detecting a user's glasses designed to block light. At step 1002, the system can detect whether the user is wearing glasses (e.g., frame glasses, contact lenses, monocles, eye masks, etc.) that include components configured to block light of at least one given wavelength range (e.g., a wavelength range that can include violet light). At step 1006, when the user is wearing the glasses, the system can then notify the user via a display and / or speaker associated with the system (e.g., via an audible, visual, and / or tactile alarm or message) to remove the glasses that include components configured to block light of at least one given wavelength range. At step 1008, when the system determines that the glasses that include components configured to block light of at least one given wavelength range are not detected, targeted therapeutic light treatment can be provided to the user.

[0059] Based on the above description, those skilled in the art will recognize improvements, changes and modifications. Such improvements, changes and modifications are within the technical scope of those skilled in the art and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system comprising: A fixing member, which is mounted on the platform; at least one motor configured to move the platform; a directional light source, coupled to the processor, configured to emit a light signal directed toward the adjustable focal point; a camera coupled to the processor and configured to detect the presence of a user and provide an image of the user's face to the processor, wherein the processor signals the at least one motor to direct the orientation of the platform to center an eye in a frame of the camera and initiate adjustment of the adjustable focus of the directional light source; and a distance sensor, coupled to the processor, configured to estimate the distance between the fixture and the eye to ensure that an appropriate light energy density is applied to the eye, Wherein, at least one of the camera, the directional light source and the distance sensor is embedded in the fixing member.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The directional light source includes at least one of a purple light source and an infrared light source.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The distance sensor includes an ultrasonic transmitter, a light transmitter or an infrared transmitter.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one motor is configured to move the platform in at least one degree of freedom.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one motor is configured to move the platform left / right and / or tilt the platform up / down.

6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a base attached to the platform and configured to accommodate the processor and one or more of the at least one motor, the base further comprising: at least a second camera, coupled to the processor, configured to detect the user; and The ambient light detector is coupled to the processor and is configured to detect the illumination of the ambient light to adjust the exposure time and intensity of the light signal emitted by the directional light source.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The base also includes a non-transitory memory storing instructions, the non-transitory memory coupled to the processor, the processor configured to execute the instructions to: identifying the presence and identity of one or more users of the system from a stored set of said user; as well as Directed therapeutic light treatment is provided to at least one eye of the user.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The processor is configured to identify the user based on an image of the user's face detected by the camera and determine a treatment length for the user.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The treatment length is based on an amount of at least one type of light received by the user during the day stored in non-transitory memory.

10. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The at least second camera is a wide angle camera.

11. The system of claim 8, the base further comprising at least one of: a power and / or charging port, a user interface, a display, a speaker, and a circuit.

12. A method comprising: utilizing a system including a processor, recognizing the presence of a user via at least one camera in communication with the processor; utilizing the system, identifying the user from a stored set of one or more users of the system; as well as Using the system, directional therapeutic light treatment is provided to at least one eye of the user via a directional light source of the system, wherein at least one of the directional light sources and the at least one camera are movable by at least one motor in communication with the processor.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Recognizing the presence of the user via the at least one camera in communication with the processor further comprises: detecting a moving object via the at least one camera; Using the system, determining that the moving object is a person; and Via the at least one camera, the face of the person is detected to be within the range of the directional light source.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Identifying the user from a stored set of one or more users of the system further comprises: utilizing the system, accessing a database containing information relating to faces of a stored set of one or more users of the system; utilizing the system to perform facial recognition of the person's face by comparison with information relating to faces of a stored set of one or more users of the system; With the system, the person is identified as the user of the system when the person's face matches information related to one of the faces of a stored set of one or more users of the system.

15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: determining, with the processor, via the at least one camera, a position of at least one eye of the user; directing, via the at least one motor in communication with the processor, an orientation of the at least one camera to focus on at least one eye of the user; as well as Using the system, a focus for the directional light source is established at the pupil of at least one eye of the user.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Providing the directional therapeutic light treatment to at least one eye of the user via the directional light source of the system further comprises: utilizing the system to measure, at a given time, a distance between the directional light source and at least one eye of the user; directing, via the at least one motor, the orientation of the directional light source and the at least one camera to maintain a focus for the directional light source at a pupil of at least one eye of the user as the user moves; and Using the system, the focus of the directional light source is adjusted based on the measured distance so that a pupil-sized bead of light is centered in the pupil of at least one eye of the user.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: An intensity of the directed therapeutic light treatment is adjusted based on the measured distance from the pupil of the at least one eye.

18. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: measuring an ambient violet light level near the system via an ambient light sensor in communication with the processor; utilizing the system to determine the intensity of the directed therapeutic light treatment in a manner that takes into account the ambient violet light level; as well as Using the system, the intensity of the directional therapeutic light treatment is adjusted by adjusting the brightness of the directional light source.

19. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: Utilizing the system, detecting whether the user is wearing eyeglasses including components configured to block at least one given wavelength range of light; In a case where the user is wearing the glasses, notifying the user, using the system, via a display and / or a speaker associated with the system, to remove the glasses including a component configured to block light of the at least one given wavelength range; and The directed therapeutic light treatment is provided to at least one eye of the user using the system in the absence of detection of eyewear including components configured to block light of the at least one given wavelength range.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Providing the directional therapeutic light treatment to at least one eye of the user via the directional light source of the system further comprises: applying, using the system, the directed therapeutic light treatment to a first eye of the user for a first time period; and Using the system, the directed therapeutic light treatment is applied to a second eye of the user during a second time period following the first time period, wherein the application is repeated a preprogrammed number of times.

Images