Light irradiation system, light irradiation device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a pain relief effect.SOLUTION: A light irradiation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure comprises an irradiation unit for irradiating an eye of a target with light of a given wavelength band, an illuminance information acquisition unit for acquiring illuminance information indicative of illuminance of the light, and target information output unit for outputting information prompting a change in the state of the target when illuminance of the light is less than a predetermined illuminance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting system. [Background technology]

[0002] The eye contains ganglion cells, such as intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (iPRGCs), which have light reception but no direct connection to visual function.

[0003] It is known that when intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells receive light, it brings about various non-visual effects on the mind and body. For example, it is known that irradiation with light in the wavelength range corresponding to blue light suppresses the secretion of melatonin from the pineal gland. In addition, Non-Patent Document 1 reports that acute and chronic pain is alleviated by irradiation with light in the wavelength range corresponding to green light for 8 hours or more. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Mohab M. Ibrahima et, al., “Long-lasting anticiceptive effects of green light in acute and chronic pain in rats”, Pain. Vol. 158, No. 2, p. 347-360, 2017. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A light irradiation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a subject's eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band, an illuminance information acquisition unit that is located opposite the irradiation unit and acquires illuminance information indicating the illuminance of the light, and a subject information output unit that outputs information to prompt a change in the state of the subject if the illuminance of the light is less than the predetermined illuminance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view showing a configuration example of a light irradiation system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a main part of a light irradiation system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processes performed by the light irradiation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is an external view showing a configuration example of a light irradiation system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a main part of a light irradiation system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 13 shows an example of a presentation screen presented on a presentation unit. [Figure 7] 13 shows an example of a presentation screen presented on a presentation unit. [Figure 8] 13 is an example of treatment schedule information displayed on a screen of a communication device. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a light irradiation system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an external view showing a configuration example of a light irradiation system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a main part of a light irradiation system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an irradiation section in which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an irradiation section in which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an object displayed on the projection unit. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a control method performed by a light irradiation system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a main part of a light irradiation system according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a control method performed by a light irradiation system according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schedule of a light irradiation test. [Figure 19] 1 is a graph showing the results of an analgesic test. [Figure 20] 1 is a graph showing the results of an analysis of blood enkephalin concentrations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0008] (Configuration of the light irradiation system 100) The configuration of a light irradiation system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the light irradiation system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a main part of the light irradiation system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] The light irradiation system 100 includes a light irradiation device 1 that is a device for irradiating a predetermined part of a body of a target with irradiation light of a predetermined wavelength band. The light irradiation device 1 may be a stationary device or a wearable device. In this specification, the case where the target to be irradiated with irradiation light is a human being is described as an example, but is not limited to this. For example, various animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, etc. can be the target to be irradiated with irradiation light.

[0010] The predetermined part of the subject's body to be irradiated with light may be any part as long as the effect of pain relief can be obtained, but in the present disclosure, for example, light is irradiated to the subject's eye. The predetermined part to be irradiated with light may also be, for example, the ear. When irradiating light to the subject's ear, the light irradiation device 1 may be, for example, an earphone type that is inserted into the subject's ear hole when used. The earphone type light irradiation device 1 may also irradiate light toward the eardrum through the subject's ear canal.

[0011] The lighting system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may illuminate both the eyes and ears of a subject.

[0012] The light irradiation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be, for example, a stationary type, and may include a fixing unit 4 for fixing the chin and forehead of a subject to be irradiated with light. The fixing unit 4 fixes the face of the subject, and therefore the position of the subject's eyes is also fixed. In this case, the subject may be irradiated with light while sitting on a chair. The light irradiation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is capable of irradiating both eyes of the subject with light of a predetermined wavelength band, but is not limited thereto. The light irradiation device 1 may be configured to irradiate one eye of the subject with light of a predetermined wavelength band.

[0013] The light irradiation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be installed, for example, in a medical institution or in the subject's home.

[0014] Next, the configuration of the light irradiation device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the light irradiation device 1 includes a control unit 10, an irradiation unit 11, and a time measurement unit 12.

[0015] <Irradiation unit 11> The irradiation unit 11 includes one or more light sources for irradiating a predetermined part of the subject's body with irradiation light of a predetermined wavelength band. The irradiation unit 11 may include light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and semiconductor lasers (LDs) as light sources. By using these light-emitting elements, the irradiation unit 11 can selectively irradiate monochromatic light with a narrow wavelength width of the emission wavelength. Alternatively, the irradiation unit 11 may include a light source that emits white light and an optical filter (e.g., a bandpass filter) that transmits only light of a predetermined wavelength band. By selecting and using an appropriate optical filter, the irradiation unit 11 can selectively irradiate irradiation light of a desired wavelength band.

[0016] [Wavelength of irradiated light] The specified wavelength band of the irradiated light may be any wavelength band of light that is expected to have the effect of improving the mental and physical state of a subject when irradiated onto the subject's eyes.

[0017] By irradiating the eye of a subject with green light, it is possible to continuously relieve physical pain, such as pain, felt by the subject after irradiation. Therefore, the wavelength band of the irradiated light may be the wavelength band of green light. In this case, the predetermined wavelength band of the irradiated light may be, for example, 450 to 600 nm, or 500 to 550 nm. The irradiated light may be green light with a peak top of 525 nm. For example, "450 to 600 nm" is intended to include wavelengths of 450 nm and 600 nm, and the same applies to the notation of other wavelengths.

[0018] By irradiating the eye of a subject with violet light, it is possible to reduce the degree of deterioration of the subject's vision and slow down the progression rate of myopia. Therefore, the wavelength band of the irradiated light may be the wavelength band of violet light. In this case, the predetermined wavelength band of the irradiated light may be 350 to 410 nm.

[0019] Also, by irradiating the eye of the subject with blue light, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms of jet lag of the subject. Therefore, the wavelength band of the irradiated light may be the wavelength band of blue light. However, when irradiating the eye of the subject with blue light, an optical filter that blocks ultraviolet light and near ultraviolet light may be further provided in order to reduce damage to the eye of the subject as much as possible.

[0020] If the effect of improving the subject's physical and mental condition is expected, the irradiated light may be continuous light that is continuously irradiated to the subject's eye, or pulsed light that is irradiated intermittently.

[0021] <Time measurement section 12> The time measurement unit 12 measures the irradiation time for one treatment. The time measurement unit 12 may start measuring the time from the time when the irradiation unit 11 starts the light irradiation, and may stop measuring the time when the light irradiation stops.

[0022] <Control unit 10> The control unit 10 controls the irradiation unit 11 so that the irradiation time in one treatment is less than 8 hours. The control unit 10 acquires the irradiation time from the time measurement unit 12. The control unit 10 stops the light irradiation of the irradiation unit 11 when the irradiation time reaches a predetermined treatment time of less than 8 hours. The predetermined treatment time may be set in advance, for example, may be set for each subject.

[0023] [Irradiation time] The upper limit of the irradiation time in one treatment may be 7.5 hours or less, more preferably 4 hours or less, even more preferably 2 hours or less, and most preferably 1 hour or less. This reduces the time that the subject is restrained by the treatment, and reduces the physical and mental burden on the subject.

[0024] The lower limit of the irradiation time in one treatment may be 30 minutes or more, and preferably 1 hour or more, which can provide the subject with a pain relief effect.

[0025] The light irradiation device 1 that irradiates the ear with irradiation light includes a control unit 10, an irradiation unit 11, and a time measurement unit 12, similar to the light irradiation device 1 that irradiates the eye described above. For example, when the light irradiation device 1 is an earphone type, the irradiation unit 11 may be installed on the side of the light irradiation device 1 that is inserted into the ear canal, and light may be irradiated toward the back of the ear. In addition, the control unit 10 and the time measurement unit 12 may be installed on the outside of the ear canal, which is the opposite side to the irradiation unit 11 side of the earphone type light irradiation device 1. In addition, the control unit 10 controls the irradiation unit 11 so that the irradiation time is less than 8 hours.

[0026] (Processing Executed by the Light Irradiation System 100) FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the light irradiation system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0027] In S1, first, the irradiating unit 11 irradiates the eye of the subject with irradiation light in a predetermined wavelength band (irradiation step).

[0028] In S2, the time measurement unit 12 starts measuring the irradiation time (time measurement step).

[0029] In S3, the control unit 10 judges whether the irradiation time has reached a predetermined time less than 8 hours. If the control unit 10 judges that the irradiation time has reached the predetermined time, the process proceeds to S4. If the control unit 10 judges that the irradiation time has not reached the predetermined time, the process of S3 is repeated until it is judged that the irradiation time has reached the predetermined time.

[0030] In S4, after it is determined that the irradiation time has reached a predetermined time, the control unit 10 causes the irradiation unit 11 to stop emitting light (irradiation time control step).

[0031] According to the above process, the irradiation unit 11 can irradiate irradiation light in a predetermined wavelength band, the time measurement unit 12 can measure the irradiation time, and the control unit 10 can control so that the irradiation time is less than 8 hours. As a result, the light in the predetermined wavelength band can be irradiated to the subject's eye for less than 8 hours, thereby providing the subject with a pain relief effect.

[0032] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals will be given to components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0033] The light irradiation system 100 according to the first embodiment is a light irradiation system in which the irradiation time of the irradiation light in a predetermined wavelength band in one treatment is less than 8 hours.

[0034] From the viewpoint of the effect of pain relief, the light irradiation performed in one treatment may be divided into several times and performed intermittently. Furthermore, the treatment of irradiating the eye of the subject with light may be performed two or more times. Furthermore, the frequency of each treatment is not particularly limited, but the treatment may be performed once a day, or once on consecutive days. As an example, a treatment may be performed once a day for two to five consecutive days as one cycle. In this case, for example, the total treatment time performed in one cycle may be set in advance, and the treatment time per treatment may be different from day to day as long as it is the total treatment time set. Furthermore, this one cycle may be performed periodically on a weekly or monthly basis. Furthermore, the treatment does not have to be performed on consecutive days. For example, it may be performed every other day, or a treatment may be performed for several hours a day for several consecutive days, followed by a day without treatment, and then a treatment for several hours a day for several days. Furthermore, a treatment may be performed multiple times a day. For example, a treatment for one hour may be performed twice a day. For example, in a case where the total treatment time is four hours, four consecutive treatments of four hours each may be performed, or one-hour treatments may be repeated four times with a one-hour break between each treatment.

[0035] From the above perspective, the light irradiation system according to this embodiment is a light irradiation system for repeatedly subjecting a predetermined part of a subject's body to light irradiation treatment.

[0036] This embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is an external view showing a configuration example of a light irradiation system according to embodiment 2. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a light irradiation system according to embodiment 2.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the light irradiation system 100a of the present embodiment includes, as an example, a stationary light irradiation device 1a. For example, a subject faces the light irradiation device 1a to receive treatment. At this time, the subject can receive treatment while sitting on a chair, for example. The light irradiation device 1a includes an irradiation unit 11, and as an example, a presentation unit 13 is provided below the irradiation unit 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the irradiation unit 11 may be disposed on one surface of the light irradiation device 1a. The light irradiation device 1a may include a distance measurement unit 14 that measures the distance between the subject and the irradiation unit 11. In addition, the light irradiation system 100a includes, as an example, an illuminance sensor 16.

[0038] 5, the light irradiation system 100a of the present embodiment may further include a server 2 and an illuminance sensor 16 in addition to the light irradiation device 1a. The server 2 may include a target information management unit 20. The light irradiation device 1a further includes a presentation unit 13, a distance measurement unit 14, and a communication unit 18 in addition to the control unit 10a, the irradiation unit 11, and the time measurement unit 12.

[0039] (Server 2) For example, the server 2 is communicably connected to the light irradiation device 1. The server 2 may be a server owned by a medical institution. The server 2 includes a target information management unit 20.

[0040] <Target Information Management Unit 20> The target information management unit 20 manages target identification information 21, treatment history information 22, and treatment schedule information 23 in association with each target. The target identification information 21 is information given to each target to identify the target, and is, for example, a numeric string or a character string. The treatment history information 22 is information including the irradiation time of one treatment that the target has received and the number of treatments that the target has received. The treatment history information 22 may include, for example, the date and time of the treatment, or the start and end times of one treatment. The treatment history information 22 may also include an accumulated irradiation time obtained by multiplying the number of consecutive days that the target has received the treatment by the irradiation time of one treatment. The treatment schedule information 23 is information regarding the schedule of the treatment that the target is scheduled to receive. The treatment schedule information 23 may be, for example, the treatment start time and treatment end time of the next day, or the treatment start date and treatment end date of the next week or month, which is the next treatment cycle.

[0041] Furthermore, the light irradiation device 1a may receive stored information from the target information management unit 20 as necessary.

[0042] In this way, the target information management unit 20 can manage the treatment history information 22 and the treatment plan information 23 for each target by corresponding the target identification information 21, the treatment history information 22, and the treatment plan information 23 for each target.

[0043] <Presentation part 13> The presentation unit 13 presents the treatment history information 22 to the target information. The presentation unit 13 may be, for example, a display for displaying characters or a speaker for emitting sound. FIG. 6 shows an example of a presentation screen 110 presented on the presentation unit 13 when the presentation unit 13 is a display. The presentation screen 110 may display a "subject ID" as the identification information 21 and a "number of days of treatment" as the treatment history information 22. The presentation unit 13 may also present information on the scheduled end time of the currently receiving treatment to the target together with the treatment history information 22. The information on the scheduled end time may be the scheduled end time or the remaining time until the scheduled end time. For example, the presentation screen 110 presented on the presentation unit 13 may display the remaining time until the scheduled end time of the currently receiving treatment, such as "Today's irradiation time remaining is 00:04:00".

[0044] <Distance measurement unit 14> The distance measurement unit 14 measures the distance between the irradiation unit 11 and the target's eye. In order to obtain the effect of pain relief, it is necessary that light of a predetermined illuminance is irradiated onto the target's eye. To achieve this, it is necessary that the irradiation unit 11 and the target's eye are at an appropriate distance. The distance measurement unit 14 is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the distance between the irradiation unit 11 and the target's eye, but is, for example, an infrared camera. This allows the distance between the irradiation unit 11 and the target's eye to be measured.

[0045] Further, based on the result of the distance measurement unit 14, the presentation unit 13 may present a presentation screen for instructing the target to move the position of a predetermined part of the body. For example, when irradiating the eye of the target, the presentation unit 13 may present a presentation screen for instructing the target to change the position of the head or face in order to appropriately adjust the distance between the irradiation unit 11 and the eye of the target. Alternatively, the presentation unit 13 may present a presentation screen for instructing the target to change the posture in order to appropriately adjust the distance between the irradiation unit 11 and the eye of the target. The control unit 10 may perform control for making the presentation unit 13 present the presentation screen. FIG. 7 shows an example of a presentation screen 111 presented on the presentation unit 13, in which the presentation unit 13 is a display. As an example, the presentation screen 111 presents a message saying, "Please move your face a little closer." In this way, by presenting a presentation screen for instructing the target to move the position of a predetermined part of the body, the presentation unit 13 can, for example, prompt the target to move their face closer to the irradiation unit 11. This allows the distance between the irradiating unit 11 and the subject's eye to be appropriately adjusted, so that the irradiating unit 11 can irradiate the subject's eye with light of appropriate illuminance.

[0046] <Communications Division 18> The communication unit 18 communicates with a communication device 3 outside the light irradiation device 1. The communication device 3 is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of communicating with the light irradiation device 1, and may be, for example, a PC, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like. The communication device 3 may also be a PC having a function of directly communicating only with the light irradiation device 1. For example, the communication device 3 may be a communication device 3 owned by the subject. The communication unit 18 may transmit the treatment schedule information 23 managed by the subject information management unit 20 to the communication device 3 of the subject corresponding to the treatment schedule information. FIG. 8 is an example of the treatment schedule information 23 transmitted from the communication unit 18 and displayed on the screen of the communication device 3 of the subject. As an example, the communication device 3 is a smartphone owned by the subject. On the screen of the smartphone, information for notifying the subject of the treatment schedule is displayed as the treatment schedule information 23. As an example, a message "Today's scheduled start time of irradiation is 7:00 p.m." is displayed on the screen of the smartphone. By transmitting treatment schedule information 23 to the communication device of the subject through communication unit 18, the subject can be informed of the treatment schedule and can receive the treatment without forgetting.

[0047] <Illuminance sensor 16> The illuminance sensor 16 is a sensor that detects illuminance. As described in the <Distance measuring unit 14>, in order to obtain the effect of alleviating pain, it is necessary that light of a predetermined illuminance is irradiated onto the subject's eye. Therefore, the illuminance sensor 16 may be attached to a location close to the subject's eye and detect the illuminance at the location close to the eye. In FIG. 4, as an example, the illuminance sensor 16 is attached to the frame of glasses. The form of the illuminance sensor 16 is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a form in which the illuminance sensor 16 is directly attached to the subject's skin, or a form in which the subject wears a hat to which the illuminance sensor 16 is attached.

[0048] The distance measurement unit 14 may measure the distance between the irradiation unit 11 and the eye of the subject based on the detected illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 16. This makes it possible to measure the distance between the irradiation unit 11 and the eye of the subject.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 10 may adjust the output of the irradiation unit 11 based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 16. This allows the subject's eye to be irradiated with light of an appropriate illuminance.

[0050] [Embodiment 3] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals will be given to components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0051] In the first and second embodiments, the light irradiation system including the stationary light irradiation device has been described, but in the present embodiment, a light irradiation system 100b including a wearable light irradiation device will be described.

[0052] This embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a light irradiation system 100b according to the third embodiment.

[0053] The light irradiation system 100b includes a light irradiation device 1b. The light irradiation device 1b includes a control unit 10b, an irradiation unit 11, a time measurement unit 12, and a shielding mechanism 17. The light irradiation device 1b may also include a movement mechanism 15.

[0054] <Shielding mechanism 17> The blocking mechanism 17 may reduce the illuminance of light different from the irradiated light, or the illuminance of light of a wavelength band different from the predetermined wavelength band that is included in the light different from the irradiated light. Here, the light different from the irradiated light may be, for example, sunlight and light from indoor lighting.

[0055] The shielding mechanism 17 may be made of a light-shielding cloth or resin, or may be made of a light-shielding or light-reflective metal. Alternatively, the shielding mechanism 17 may be provided with an optical filter that selectively transmits light of a predetermined wavelength band and does not transmit light of a wavelength band different from the predetermined wavelength band. When the shielding mechanism 17 is made of a material having light-shielding properties, the shielding mechanism 17 can reduce the illuminance of light from the outside of the light irradiation device 1b over the entire wavelength band. When the shielding mechanism 17 is made of a material that selectively transmits light of a predetermined wavelength band and does not transmit light of a wavelength band different from the predetermined wavelength band, the shielding mechanism 17 can reduce the illuminance of light of a wavelength band different from the predetermined wavelength band that is included in the light from the outside of the light irradiation device 1b. As a result, the shielding mechanism 17 can reduce the illuminance of light of a wavelength band different from the irradiation light that reaches the eye of the target when irradiation light of a predetermined wavelength band is irradiated to the eye of the target. When the shielding mechanism 17 is made of a light-reflective material, it is possible to reduce light from outside the light irradiation device 1b, while also being able to reflect light inside the light irradiation device 1b to the irradiation target.

[0056] The shielding mechanism 17 may be disposed so as not to generate a gap between the object on which the light irradiation device 1b is attached and the light irradiation device 1b. The shielding mechanism 17 may be integral with the light irradiation device 1b or may be separate from the light irradiation device 1b.

[0057] The shielding mechanism 17 may have a goggle-like shape that covers the entire frame of the light irradiation device 1b, as shown in FIG. 9. In this case, the shielding mechanism 17 can cover the frame of the light irradiation device 1b. This can prevent light from the outside of the light irradiation device 1b from entering through gaps between the light irradiation device 1b and the forehead, temples, cheeks, and nose of the subject and reaching the eyes of the subject. Alternatively, the shielding mechanism 17 may be configured to cover the entire head of the subject. Also, the subject wearing the light irradiation device 1b shown in FIG. 9 or the head of the subject may be covered by a separate shielding mechanism 17.

[0058] The shielding mechanism 17 shown in FIG. 9 shields light reaching both eyes of the subject from the outside of the light irradiation device 1b, but is not limited thereto. For example, the light irradiation device 1b may be configured to include a shielding mechanism 17 for the right eye and a shielding mechanism 17 for the left eye. In this case, when the irradiation light is irradiated to one eye of the subject, only the shielding mechanism 17 on the same side may be used. With this configuration, the field of view of the eye on the side not irradiated with the irradiation light is not blocked by the shielding mechanism 17. This allows the subject to view the surrounding situation with the eye on the side not irradiated with the irradiation light.

[0059] <Movement mechanism 15> Furthermore, the light irradiation device 1b may include a moving mechanism 15 for adjusting the position of the irradiation unit 11. The moving mechanism 15 is a mechanism provided for moving the position of the irradiation unit 11 so that the light from the irradiation unit 11 can be irradiated toward the eye of the subject, particularly the pupil.

[0060] The moving mechanism 15 may have any configuration as long as it is possible to change the position of the irradiation unit 11 relative to the position of the pupil of the target eye. As an example, as shown in Fig. 9, the moving mechanism 15 may include a holding unit 151 that holds the irradiation unit 11 at a first end 1511, and a guide rail 152 for moving the holding unit 151 in the X-axis direction (left-right direction).

[0061] The guide rail 152 may be, for example, a groove provided in an upper portion of a frame of the light irradiation device 1b. A second end 1512 of the holding part 151 opposite to the first end 1511 may slidably abut against an inner surface of the groove. This allows the holding part 151 to move along the guide rail 152 in the X-axis direction.

[0062] Furthermore, the moving mechanism 15 may be capable of moving the position of the irradiation unit 11 in the Y-axis direction (up and down direction). For example, the holding unit 151 may have a structure that is extendable and contractible in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, a fixing member (not shown) that fixes the irradiation unit 11 to the holding unit 151 may be slidable along the holding unit 151, and the irradiation unit 11 may be movable along the holding unit 151.

[0063] For example, medical personnel such as a doctor or nurse in charge of the subject (or the subject himself / herself) can manually change the position of the irradiation unit 11 along the guide rail 152.

[0064] By providing the moving mechanism 15, the light irradiation device 1b can accurately irradiate the target eye, particularly the pupil, with the irradiation light, so that the irradiation light can reach the fovea centralis of the retina.

[0065] [Summary 1] The light irradiation system according to aspect 1A of the present invention includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a predetermined part of a subject's body with irradiation light of a predetermined wavelength band, a time measurement unit that measures the irradiation time of the irradiation light in one treatment, and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit, and the control unit controls the irradiation time so that the irradiation time is less than 8 hours.

[0066] The light irradiation system according to Aspect 2A of the present invention may be such that, in Aspect 1A above, the predetermined part of the subject's body is at least one of an eye and an ear.

[0067] The light irradiation system according to aspect 3A of the present invention may be such that in the above aspect 1A or 2A, the duration of the treatment is 0.5 hours or longer.

[0068] The light irradiation system according to aspect 4A of the present invention may be such that in any one of aspects 1A to 3A above, the duration of the treatment is 4 hours or less.

[0069] The light irradiation system according to aspect 5A of the present invention may be such that in any one of aspects 1A to 3A above, the duration of the treatment is 2 hours or less.

[0070] The light irradiation system according to aspect 6A of the present invention may be such that in any one of aspects 1A to 3A above, the duration of the treatment is one hour or less.

[0071] In the light irradiation system according to aspect 7A of the present invention, in any one of aspects 1A to 3A above, the duration of the treatment may be 0.5 hours.

[0072] The light irradiation system according to aspect 8A of the present invention, in any of aspects 1A to 7A above, may further include a subject information management unit that manages, for each subject, identification information of the subject and treatment history information including the irradiation time and the number of times of the treatment in the treatment received by the subject, and a presentation unit that presents the treatment history information to the subject corresponding to the treatment history information.

[0073] In the light irradiation system according to Aspect 9A of the present invention, in the above-mentioned Aspect 8A, the presentation unit may present to each subject a scheduled end time of the treatment that the subject is currently receiving.

[0074] The light irradiation system according to aspect 10A of the present invention, in the above aspect 8A or 9A, is provided with a communication unit for communicating with a communication device of the target, and the target information management unit manages, in association with each other, identification information of the target, treatment history information including the irradiation time and the number of times of the treatment received by the target, and treatment schedule information regarding a schedule of the treatment to be received by the target, and the treatment schedule information may be transmitted to the communication device of the target corresponding to the treatment schedule information.

[0075] The light irradiation system of aspect 11A of the present invention, in any of aspects 8A to 10A above, may further include a distance measurement unit that measures the distance between the irradiation unit and the subject's eye, and the presentation unit may present a presentation screen for instructing the subject to move the position of a specified part of the body according to the distance.

[0076] The light irradiation system according to aspect 12A of the present invention may be the same as in aspect 11A above, but further comprising an illuminance sensor for attachment to the target, and the distance measurement unit may measure the distance between the irradiation unit and the target's eye based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor.

[0077] The light irradiation system according to aspect 13A of the present invention is, in the above-mentioned aspect 11A or 12A, further comprising an illuminance sensor for attachment to the target, and the control unit may adjust the output of the irradiation light of the irradiation unit based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor.

[0078] The light irradiation system according to aspect 14A of the present invention, in any one of aspects 1A to 13A above, may further include a shielding mechanism that reduces the illuminance of light different from the irradiation light, the light having a wavelength band different from at least the predetermined wavelength band.

[0079] The light irradiation device according to aspect 15A of the present invention includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a predetermined part of a subject's body with irradiation light of a predetermined wavelength band, a time measurement unit that measures the irradiation time of the irradiation light in one treatment, and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit, and the control unit controls the irradiation time so that the irradiation time is less than 8 hours.

[0080] A method for controlling a light irradiation system according to aspect 16A of the present invention includes an irradiation step of irradiating a predetermined part of a subject's body with irradiation light of a predetermined wavelength band, a time measurement step of measuring the irradiation time of the irradiation light in one treatment, and an irradiation time control step of controlling the irradiation time so that it is less than 8 hours.

[0081] [Embodiment 4] (Configuration of the light irradiation system 100c) The configuration of a light irradiating system 100c according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is an external view showing a configuration example of the light irradiating system 100c according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a main configuration of the light irradiating system 100c according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure.

[0082] The light irradiation system 100c includes a light irradiation device 1c that is a device for irradiating a target eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band. The light irradiation device 1c may be a stationary device. The light irradiation device 1c in the light irradiation system 100c shown in FIG. 10 is, for example, a stationary device.

[0083] The subject may be irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength band while sitting facing the light irradiation device 1c, for example. Hereinafter, irradiating the subject with light is also referred to as "treatment" or "procedure". The subject may also wear glasses equipped with an illuminance information acquisition unit 42. With this, the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 can acquire illuminance information indicating the illuminance near the subject's eyes by the light irradiated from the light irradiation device 1. The illuminance information acquisition unit 42 may be provided on something that the subject can wear, as described above, or may be provided on a chair on which the subject sits. The illuminance near the subject's eyes may be acquired.

[0084] The illuminance of the light irradiated to the subject's eyes depends on, for example, the subject's sitting position, the subject's posture, etc. As described above, when the subject is wearing glasses equipped with the illuminance information acquisition unit 42, the illuminance of the light is less than a predetermined illuminance, for example, when the subject is sitting back in a chair and is far away from the irradiation unit 11, or when the subject is looking down. When the illuminance of the light is less than the predetermined illuminance, the subject information output unit 33 outputs information that prompts the subject to change his / her state. Details of the subject information output unit 33 will be described later.

[0085] The light irradiation system 100c shown in FIG. 10 may be installed in, for example, a medical institution or in the subject's home.

[0086] Next, the configuration of a light irradiation system 100c will be described with reference to Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 2, the light irradiation system 100c includes a light irradiation device 1c, an illuminance information acquisition section 42, and a shielding mechanism 17a.

[0087] <Illuminance information acquisition unit 42> The illuminance information acquisition unit 42 is located opposite the irradiation unit 11a and acquires illuminance information indicating the illuminance of light. Here, the illuminance information may be a measured value of the illuminance, or may be a determination result of whether or not the measured illuminance is within a predetermined range. Alternatively, the illuminance information may be an estimated value of the illuminance of light reaching the subject's retina based on the measured illuminance. The illuminance information acquisition unit 42 may be, for example, an illuminance sensor. The type of the illuminance sensor is not particularly limited, but may be one using a phototransistor, one using a photodiode, or one having an amplifier circuit added to a photodiode.

[0088] <Light irradiation device 1c> The light irradiation device 1c includes an irradiation unit 11a and a control unit 10c. The control unit 10c includes an object information output unit 33, an irradiation control unit 34, and a time measurement unit 12a.

[0089] [Irradiation section 11a] The irradiation unit 11a irradiates the eye of the subject with light of a predetermined wavelength band. The irradiation unit 11a may include a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light. The plurality of light-emitting elements may be light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and semiconductor lasers (LDs). By using these light-emitting elements, the irradiation unit 11a can selectively irradiate monochromatic light with a narrow wavelength width of the emission wavelength.

[0090] [Light emitting element of the irradiation unit 11a] The irradiation unit 11a has a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light of a predetermined wavelength, and these light-emitting elements may be arranged in an array. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the irradiation unit 11a in which a plurality of light-emitting elements 112 are arranged. In the irradiation unit 11a of FIG. 12, 150 light-emitting elements are arranged as an example, but the number of light-emitting elements is not limited to this. The plurality of light-emitting elements may be light-emitting elements of the same single color, for example, only green light-emitting elements may be arranged. Also, red, green, and blue light-emitting elements may be arranged. This makes it possible to emit light of a predetermined wavelength band. The control of emitting the light-emitting elements will be described in the explanation of the irradiation control unit 34.

[0091] [Light Illuminance] The predetermined illuminance of the light irradiated by the irradiating unit 11c may be 4 to 110 Lux. If the illuminance of the light is within the above range, it is possible to provide a pain relieving effect to the subject.

[0092] [Target information output section 33] When the illuminance of the light is less than a predetermined illuminance, the target information output unit 33 outputs information that prompts the target to change its state. The information that prompts the target to change its state is information that directs the target's face toward the irradiation unit 11a, or information that directs the target's face closer to the irradiation unit 11a. The target information output unit 33 may be a speaker that outputs sounds such as an alarm, an announcement, or music, or may be a display that displays letters, numbers, pictures, and the like.

[0093] If the target information output unit 33 is a speaker, and the illuminance of the light is less than a predetermined value, a warning sound or an alarm may be output. The target information output unit 33 may output voice announcements such as, for example, "The light is not being properly irradiated," "Please lift your face," "Please straighten your back," and "Please move your face closer." If the illuminance of the light is less than a predetermined illuminance or exceeds a predetermined illuminance, the target may be asleep, so the target information output unit 33 may output an announcement such as "Please wake up," or an alarm sound. This allows the target to know that the light is not being properly irradiated, and the target can correct his / her posture or move his / her face closer so that the light is properly irradiated. If the target information output unit 33 is a speaker, music may be output when the illuminance of the light is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and the playback of the music may be interrupted when the illuminance of the light is less than the predetermined value. This allows the target to be aware of correcting his / her posture or facing the irradiation unit 11a so that the playback of the music is not interrupted.

[0094] When the target information output unit 33 is a display and the illuminance of the light is less than a predetermined value, text such as "Light is not being applied properly", "Please lift your head", "Please stand up straight", "Please move your face closer" may be displayed. The target information output unit 33 may also display pictures together with the text. The light irradiation device 1c may include both the speaker and the display described above as the target information output unit 33.

[0095] The timing when the target information output unit 33 outputs information may be, for example, when the time when the illuminance is less than the predetermined illuminance continues for several tens of seconds. The time when the illuminance is less than the predetermined illuminance may be measured by, for example, a time measuring unit 12a described later. The target information output unit 33 may obtain information that the illuminance of light is less than the predetermined illuminance from the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 described above. In this case, the target information output unit 33 and the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 may be communicatively connected by a wireless communication function or a wired communication function.

[0096] 10 and 11, the light irradiation device 1c includes the target information output unit 33 and outputs information that prompts the target to change, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a device other than the light irradiation device 1c may output information that prompts the target to change its state. For example, the glasses worn by the target in FIG. 10 may include the target information output unit 33. In this case, the target information output unit 33 may output information that prompts the target to change its state by sound and vibration. In this way, the target information output unit 33 can output information that prompts the target to change its state in a place close to the target, so that the target can pay attention to the information.

[0097] It is assumed that the subject is treated in a private room, and a medical professional is present outside the private room. There is a possibility that the subject does not notice the output from the subject information output unit 33, or falls asleep. Therefore, the information prompting the change of the subject's condition may also be output from a communication device used by the medical professional. In this case, the light irradiation device 1c may transmit an output instruction to the communication device used by the medical professional to instruct the output of information prompting the change of the subject's condition. In this way, the medical professional can receive information prompting the change of the subject's condition. In addition, even if the subject does not notice the output from the subject information output unit 33, the medical professional can directly prompt the subject to change the subject's condition.

[0098] [Irradiation control unit 34] The irradiation control unit 34 may adjust the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 11a based on the illuminance information. For example, the irradiation control unit 34 may increase the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 11a based on the illuminance information that the illuminance is less than a predetermined illuminance. In addition, if the illuminance is less than the predetermined illuminance even though the irradiation control unit 34 has increased the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 11a, the target information output unit 33 may be configured to output information.

[0099] Before starting treatment, the subject may be seated in a predetermined position to acquire illuminance information, and the irradiation control unit 34 may determine the intensity of light to be irradiated from the irradiation unit 11a based on the acquired illuminance information. Furthermore, before the irradiation control unit 34 determines the light intensity, the subject information output unit 33 may output information to prompt a change in the angle, height, etc. of the light irradiation device 1c.

[0100] The intensity of the light depends on the number of light-emitting elements that emit light and the magnitude of the current supplied to the light-emitting elements. The irradiation control unit 34 may cause at least one of the multiple light-emitting elements provided in the irradiation unit 11a to emit light. In this way, the irradiation control unit 34 can cause the light-emitting elements to emit light, thereby irradiating light from the irradiation unit 11a.

[0101] The irradiation control unit 34 may adjust the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 11a by controlling the number of light-emitting elements (hereinafter, simply referred to as "elements") that are arranged to emit light. The control of the number of elements that are made to emit light by the irradiation control unit 34 will be described with reference to FIG. 12, which was also described in [Light-emitting elements of the irradiation unit 11a]. As an example, among the plurality of light-emitting elements 112 arranged in the irradiation unit 11a in FIG. 12, the white light-emitting element 112 is an element that emits light, and the black light-emitting element 112 is an element that does not emit light. For example, when a predetermined illuminance can be ensured by 137 elements emitting light out of 150 elements arranged in the irradiation unit 11a, the irradiation control unit 34 may cause the 137 elements to emit light as shown in FIG. 12. In this way, by controlling the number of light-emitting elements that the irradiation control unit 34 makes emit light, the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 11a can be adjusted. This also ensures a predetermined illuminance. The irradiation control unit 34 may also adjust the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 11a by changing the magnitude of the current given to the light-emitting elements.

[0102] Furthermore, the illumination control unit 34 may display an object consisting of emitting elements and non-emitting elements on the illumination unit 11a by controlling the arrangement of the light-emitting elements that emit light among the multiple light-emitting elements arranged. The object is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a letter, a number, or a picture. In FIG. 12, as an example, the alphabet letter "T" is displayed by the non-emitting light-emitting elements 112.

[0103] The object displayed on the irradiation unit 11a may be different for each unit time. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the irradiation unit 11a in which a plurality of light-emitting elements 112 are arranged. The irradiation unit 11a in FIG. 13 has 150 light-emitting elements 112 arranged therein, similar to the irradiation unit 11a in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 13, the letter "E" of the alphabet is displayed on the irradiation unit 11a by the light-emitting elements 112 that are not emitting light. For example, the letter "E" may be displayed on the irradiation unit 11a in FIG. 13 after the letter "T" is displayed as in the irradiation unit 11a in FIG. 12. In this way, the irradiation control unit 34 can display an object on the irradiation unit 11a by controlling the arrangement of the light-emitting elements that are to be lit among the plurality of light-emitting elements arranged. In addition, the irradiation unit 11a can maintain the concentration of the subject to be treated by displaying the object, rather than simply irradiating light.

[0104] Furthermore, even if the object displayed on the irradiation unit 11a is changed every unit time, the number of light-emitting elements 112 that emit light may be controlled by the irradiation control unit 34. Here, the objects displayed on the irradiation unit 11a in Fig. 12 and the irradiation unit 11a in Fig. 13 are different, but the number of light-emitting elements 112 that emit light is 137 in both cases. In this way, by controlling the number of light-emitting elements 112 that are emitted by the irradiation control unit 34, a predetermined illuminance can be maintained during treatment.

[0105] [Object example] The object that the irradiation control unit 34 causes the irradiation unit 11a to display is not particularly limited, and may be a still image, a video, a message, or the like. The message may include, for example, letters, numbers, and symbols. Various objects can be applied to maintain the concentration of the subject during the treatment and to relax the subject during the treatment.

[0106] FIG. 14 is an example of an object displayed on the irradiation unit 11a. As an example, the irradiation unit 11a in FIG. 14 displays an object 113 expressing the weather with letters, an object 114 expressing the weather with a picture, and an object 115 expressing the remaining time of treatment. These letters, pictures, and numbers may be expressed by elements that emit light and elements that do not emit light among the multiple light-emitting elements 112, as described above. From the viewpoint of irradiating the eye of the subject with sufficient light, for example, the parts of the letters, pictures, and numbers in FIG. 14 may be represented by elements that do not emit light, and the parts of the background of the letters, pictures, and numbers may be represented by elements that emit light. In addition, when the ratio of the displayed objects is large relative to the area of ​​the irradiation unit 11a, the elements that represent the objects may be configured to emit light and the elements that represent the background may not be configured to emit light. This allows a predetermined illuminance to be maintained.

[0107] The object that the irradiation control unit 34 causes the irradiation unit 11a to display may be, for example, a news paragraph, a novel paragraph, or an animation. These objects may be changed every unit time. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which the subject selects which object to display before treatment. This can attract the subject's attention and naturally turn the subject's face toward the irradiation unit 11a. Also, the subject can be relaxed. Also, voices, music, etc., that match these objects may be played from the speaker.

[0108] As described above, the irradiating unit 11a in the present disclosure may be, for example, a display capable of displaying characters, pictures, numbers, and the like, and therefore the irradiating unit 11a may display information prompting a change in the state of the target on the irradiating unit 11a.

[0109] The irradiation control unit 34 may control the ratio of elements that emit light and elements that do not emit light, regardless of what object is displayed on the irradiation unit 11a, so that light with an illuminance equal to or greater than a predetermined illuminance reaches the eye of the target. This allows light with a predetermined wavelength band to be stably irradiated to the eye of the target.

[0110] [Time measurement unit 12a] In this embodiment, the irradiation time is the time when the illuminance of light is equal to or greater than a predetermined illuminance, and the time measurement unit 12a measures the time when the illuminance of light is equal to or greater than the predetermined illuminance as the irradiation time based on the illuminance information. The time measurement unit 12a may be, for example, a timer. For example, the time measurement unit 12a may start measuring time from the time when the irradiation unit 11a starts irradiating light. The time measurement unit 12a may be configured to measure the time only when the illuminance of light is equal to or greater than a predetermined illuminance, and not measure the time when the illuminance of light is less than the predetermined illuminance. Alternatively, the time measurement unit 12a may be configured to measure the time when the illuminance of light is equal to or greater than a predetermined illuminance and the time when the illuminance of light is less than the predetermined illuminance. In addition, the time when the illuminance of light is equal to or greater than the predetermined illuminance may be stored as an integrated time in an object database (not shown), for example, for each object. This allows the irradiation time to be managed for each object.

[0111] Furthermore, the time measurement unit 12a may terminate the irradiation of the irradiation unit 11a when the length of the irradiation time reaches a predetermined time. The predetermined time will be described later in [Predetermined time of irradiation]. Furthermore, at the end of the treatment, in order to inform the subject of the end of the treatment, the subject information output unit 33 may make an announcement to inform the subject of the end of the treatment, or the control unit 10c may turn on the lights in the room. In this way, the subject does not need to measure the time himself, and the light is irradiated for a time sufficient to exert the effect of pain relief.

[0112] [Specified time of irradiation] The length of the predetermined time for which light is irradiated may be 0.5 hours or more and less than 8 hours. The upper limit of the predetermined time may be 7.5 hours or less, 4 hours or less, 2 hours or less, or 1 hour or less. This reduces the time that the subject is confined by the procedure of irradiating light, and reduces the physical and mental burden on the subject.

[0113] The lower limit of the length of the predetermined time may be 30 minutes or more, or may be 1 hour or more, which can provide a pain relief effect to the subject.

[0114] <Shielding mechanism 17a> The blocking mechanism 17a may reduce the illuminance of light of at least a wavelength band different from a predetermined wavelength band, which is included in light different from the light irradiated by the light irradiation device 1c. Here, the light different from the irradiated light may be, for example, sunlight and light from indoor lighting.

[0115] The shielding mechanism 17a may be made of cloth or resin having light-shielding properties, or may be made of metal having light-shielding properties or light-reflecting properties. In this way, the shielding mechanism 17a can reduce the illuminance of light from the outside of the light irradiation device 1 over the entire wavelength range. Here, the shielding mechanism 17a may specifically be a curtain or a dark room. If the lighting in the room can be turned off, it is not necessarily necessary to provide a shielding mechanism.

[0116] (Control method executed by the light irradiation system 100c) FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of a control method executed by the light irradiation system 100c according to this embodiment.

[0117] In S11, first, the irradiating unit 11a irradiates the eye of the subject with light in a predetermined wavelength band (irradiation step).

[0118] In S12, the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 acquires illuminance information (illuminance information acquisition step).

[0119] In S13, if the illuminance is less than a predetermined illuminance, the object information output unit 33 outputs information that prompts a change in the state of the object (information output step).

[0120] According to the above control method, the irradiation unit 11a irradiates the target's eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band, the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 acquires illuminance information, and if the illuminance is less than the predetermined illuminance, the target information output unit 33 can output information that prompts the target's state to be changed. This allows the light irradiation system 100c to stably irradiate the target's eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band. Therefore, according to the above control method, for example, it is possible to irradiate the target's eye with irradiation light of a predetermined wavelength band that effectively acts on the target's mind and body.

[0121] [Embodiment 5] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals will be given to components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0122] (Configuration of the light irradiation device 1d) In the light irradiation system 100c according to the fourth embodiment, the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 acquires illuminance information indicating the illuminance of light, and outputs information to prompt a change in the state of the target when the illuminance of light is less than a predetermined illuminance. The light irradiation device 1c according to the fourth embodiment includes an irradiation unit 11a, a target information output unit 33, an irradiation control unit 34, and a time measurement unit 12a.

[0123] The light irradiation device 1d according to this embodiment may be a stationary light irradiation device similar to that of the fourth embodiment, and the subject can receive treatment while sitting in a chair, for example.

[0124] A light irradiation device 1d according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a light irradiation device 1d according to embodiment 5.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 16, the light irradiation device 1d according to this embodiment includes an irradiation unit 11a and a control unit 10d, and the control unit 10d further includes a distance measurement unit 37 and an illuminance calculation unit 38 in addition to a target information output unit 33 and an irradiation control unit 34.

[0126] The light irradiation device 1d according to this embodiment includes a distance measurement unit 37 and an illuminance calculation unit 38, and thus can calculate illuminance even if the subject does not have an illuminance information acquisition unit 42. This allows only the light irradiation device 1d to be used for treatment, and does not require a separate illuminance information acquisition unit 42 on the subject. For example, there is no need to have the subject wear glasses or the like that include the illuminance information acquisition unit 42.

[0127] [Distance measurement section 37] The distance measurement unit 37 identifies the position of the eye of the target based on the image of the target, and measures the distance from the irradiation unit 11a. That is, the distance measurement unit 37 measures the distance between the eye of the target and the irradiation unit 11a. The image of the target may be acquired by, for example, an infrared camera, and the infrared camera may be provided in the light irradiation device 1d or may be arranged separately from the light irradiation device 1d. Moreover, the image to be captured may be a moving image in order to identify the position of the eye of the target in real time.

[0128] The method by which the distance measurement unit 37 identifies the position of the target eye is not particularly limited, and any known method may be applied. For example, the distance measurement unit 37 may identify the position of the eye by detecting the pupil based on the difference between the reflected light of the illumination with different angles. The distance measurement unit 37 may calculate the distance from the irradiation unit 11a based on the position of the eye in the image and the size of the eye.

[0129] Before starting treatment, the distance measurement unit 37 may perform a calibration process in which the subject is seated at a predetermined distance from the irradiation unit 11a, an image of the subject is acquired, and the position of the subject's eyes in the acquired image is set as a reference position. This allows accurate measurement of the distance for each subject.

[0130] [Illuminance calculation unit 38] The illuminance calculation unit 38 calculates the illuminance of the light at or near the target eye based on the distance measured by the distance measurement unit 37 and the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 11a. The illuminance calculation unit 38 may hold information indicating the correspondence relationship between the distance and the illuminance calculated from the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 11a, i.e., a relational expression, in advance, and calculate the illuminance of the light from the distance and the intensity of the light based on the information.

[0131] (Control method executed by the light irradiation device 1d) FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of a control method executed by the light irradiation device 1d according to this embodiment.

[0132] In S21, first, the irradiating unit 11a irradiates the eye of the subject with light in a predetermined wavelength band (irradiation step).

[0133] In S22, the distance measurement unit 37 identifies the position of the object's eye based on the captured image of the object, and measures the distance from the irradiation unit 11a (distance measurement step).

[0134] In S23, the illuminance calculation unit 38 calculates the illuminance of the illuminating light at or near the eye of the target based on the distance and the intensity of the illuminating light irradiated from the irradiating unit 11a (illuminance calculation step).

[0135] In S24, if the illuminance of the irradiated light on the eye or in the vicinity of the eye of the target is less than a predetermined illuminance, the target information output unit 33 outputs information that prompts a change in the state of the target (target information output step).

[0136] According to the above control method, the irradiation unit 11a irradiates the eye of the target with light of a predetermined wavelength band, the distance measurement unit 37 measures the distance from the irradiation unit 11a, the illuminance calculation unit 38 calculates the illuminance of the irradiated light, and the target information output unit 33 outputs information that prompts the target to change its state. This allows the light irradiation system 100d to stably irradiate the eye of the target with light of a predetermined wavelength band. Therefore, according to the above control method, for example, it is possible to irradiate the eye of the target with irradiation light of a predetermined wavelength band that effectively acts on the mind and body of the target.

[0137] [Modifications] In the fifth embodiment, the distance measuring unit 37 identifies the position of the eye of the target based on an image of the target. The control unit 10d may identify the target based on, for example, the face or eyes of the target in the image of the target. For example, a table in which the facial image of the target and the target ID are associated with each other may be stored in the target database in advance. When the facial image of the target about to receive treatment matches an image in the target database, the control unit 10d may assign the corresponding ID in the target database to the target about to receive treatment. This eliminates the need for the target or the administrator (medical personnel) to input the ID of the target.

[0138] The target database may also store treatment histories such as past irradiation time, date, illuminance, and integrated illuminance for each target. The control unit 10d may manage treatment for each target based on the treatment histories in these target databases. For example, when a target about to receive treatment sits in front of the light irradiation device 1d, the control unit 10d may identify the target ID corresponding to the target as described above, and set the irradiation time, illuminance, and the like based on the treatment history corresponding to the target ID to start the treatment. In this way, appropriate light is irradiated for each target, and the target can be given the effect of alleviating pain.

[0139] [Summary 2] The light irradiation system according to aspect 1B of the present invention includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a target's eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band, an illuminance information acquisition unit that is located opposite the irradiation unit and acquires illuminance information indicating the illuminance of the light, and a target information output unit that outputs information to prompt a change in the target's state if the illuminance of the light is less than the predetermined illuminance.

[0140] In the light irradiation system according to aspect 2B of the present invention, in aspect 1B above, the information prompting a change in the state of the subject may be information to turn the face of the subject toward the irradiation unit, or information to move the face of the subject closer to the irradiation unit.

[0141] The light irradiation system according to Aspect 3B of the present invention, in accordance with Aspect 1B or 2B above, may further include an irradiation control unit that adjusts the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit based on the illuminance information.

[0142] The light irradiation system according to aspect 4B of the present invention is, in aspect 3B above, the irradiation unit may have a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit the light, the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in an array, and the irradiation control unit may cause at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements to emit light.

[0143] In the light irradiation system according to aspect 5B of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspect 4B, the irradiation control unit may adjust the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit by controlling the number of the arranged light-emitting elements that are to emit light.

[0144] In the light irradiation system according to aspect 6B of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspect 5B, the irradiation control unit may display an object composed of elements that are emitting light and elements that are not emitting light on the irradiation unit by controlling the arrangement of light-emitting elements that are to be made to emit light among the plurality of light-emitting elements arranged.

[0145] The light irradiation system according to aspect 7B of the present invention may be in any one of aspects 1B to 6B above, further comprising a shielding mechanism for reducing the illuminance of light of a wavelength band different from at least the specified wavelength band, which is included in the light different from the light.

[0146] The light irradiation system according to aspect 8B of the present invention is in any one of aspects 1B to 7B above, and may further include a time measurement unit that measures, based on the illuminance information, a time during which the illuminance of the light is equal to or higher than a predetermined illuminance as an irradiation time, and may terminate irradiation by the irradiation unit when the length of the irradiation time reaches a predetermined time.

[0147] A light irradiation system according to an aspect 9B of the present invention, in the above aspect 8B, may be such that the predetermined wavelength band is 450 to 600 nm.

[0148] In the light irradiation system according to Aspect 10B of the present invention, in Aspect 8B or 9B, the length of the predetermined period of time may be 0.5 hours or more and less than 8 hours.

[0149] The light irradiation device according to aspect 11B of the present invention includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a target's eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band, and a target information output unit that outputs information to prompt a change in the target's state when the illuminance of the light at or near the target's eye is less than the predetermined illuminance.

[0150] The light irradiation device according to aspect 12B of the present invention includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a target's eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band, a distance measurement unit that identifies the position of the target's eye based on an image of the target and measures the distance from the irradiation unit, an illuminance calculation unit that calculates the illuminance of the light at or near the target's eye based on the distance and the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit, and a target information output unit that outputs information to prompt a change in the state of the target if the calculated illuminance is equal to or lower than a predetermined illuminance.

[0151] A control method for a light irradiation system according to aspect 13B of the present invention includes an irradiation step of irradiating a target's eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band, an illuminance information acquisition step of acquiring illuminance information indicating the illuminance of the light at or near the target's eye, and a target information output step of outputting information to prompt a change in the state of the target if the illuminance of the light at or near the eye is less than the predetermined illuminance.

[0152] The control method of the light irradiation system according to aspect 14B of the present invention includes an irradiation step of irradiating a target's eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band from an irradiation unit; a distance measurement step of identifying the position of the target's eye based on an image of the target and measuring the distance from the irradiation unit; an illuminance calculation step of calculating the illuminance of the light at or near the target's eye based on the distance and the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit; and a target information output step of outputting information to prompt a change in the state of the target if the illuminance of the light at or near the target's eye is less than a predetermined illuminance.

[0153] [Software implementation example] The control blocks (control units 10, 10a, 100b, 100c, and 100d) of the light irradiation systems 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software.

[0154] In the latter case, the light irradiation systems 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d each include a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. The computer includes, for example, one or more processors, and also includes a computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. In the computer, the processor reads the program from the recording medium and executes it, thereby achieving the object of the present disclosure. The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The recording medium may be a "non-transient tangible medium", such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like. The computer may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that develops the program. The program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. One aspect of the present disclosure may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission. EXAMPLES

[0155] The light irradiation test carried out on rats (subjects) will be described below.

[0156] <Test Method> A light irradiation test was performed on rats (n=5) to study the irradiation time. Figure 18 shows the five-day irradiation schedule of the light irradiation test performed on rats. The schedule in Figure 18 specifically shows the periods when the lights in the rat breeding room are ON (light period) and OFF (dark period), the timing of light irradiation on the rats, the length of the irradiation time, and the timing of the analgesic effect test and blood sampling. The test period was five days, with the light period being from 9:00 to 21:00 and the dark period being from 21:00 to 9:00 the next day.

[0157] First, an analgesic test and blood sampling were performed on the rats at a certain time during the light period on the first day. After that, at a certain time during the dark period, the rats were exposed to light (wavelength: 527 nm, output intensity: 100 Lux) for a certain period of time. Light exposure was performed under the same conditions for five consecutive days, and an analgesic test and blood sampling were performed in the light period on the following day of the fifth day in the same manner as on the first day.

[0158] [Analgesia test] Using a Randall-Serit analgesic effect measuring device (Unicom Corporation, model number K-201), pressure stimulation was applied to the tip of the rat's paw, and the pressure value (mmHg) at which the rat showed an escape reaction was measured. This was defined as the avoidance response threshold pressure.

[0159] [Blood enkephalin concentration analysis] The blood enkephalin concentration (pg / mL) of blood samples taken from rats was analyzed using a Rat Enkephalin ELISA Kit (LSBio).

[0160] [Statistical analysis] The analgesic test results and blood enkephalin concentration analysis results were shown as mean values ​​± standard error. Student's t-test was used for the analysis, and the significance levels were set at p<0.05 and p<0.01.

[0161] FIG. 19 is a graph showing the results of the analgesic test. In the graph of FIG. 19, the horizontal axis indicates the continuous exposure time when light was repeatedly irradiated for 5 days, and the vertical axis indicates the avoidance reaction threshold pressure (mmHg) of the rats. The higher the avoidance reaction threshold pressure, the less sensitive the rats are to pain. In the graph of FIG. 11, one asterisk (*) is added to the group where p<0.05, and two asterisks are added to the group where p<0.01. From the graph of FIG. 19, it was found that the rat group exposed to light for 30 minutes had a higher avoidance reaction threshold pressure than the control group exposed to light for less than 30 minutes. In addition, the rat group exposed to light for 1 hour had an even higher avoidance reaction threshold pressure, but the avoidance reaction threshold pressures of the rat groups exposed to light for 2 hours, 4 hours, and 8 hours were almost the same as those of the rat group exposed to light for 1 hour. Rather, the avoidance reaction threshold pressure of the rat group exposed to light for 8 hours was lower than that of the rat group exposed to light for 4 hours. These results show that light exposure for 30 minutes or more has a pain-relieving effect on rats. Also, light exposure for less than 8 hours was found to have a sufficient pain-relieving effect on rats.

[0162] FIG. 20 is a graph showing the results of the analysis of blood enkephalin concentration. In the graph of FIG. 20, the horizontal axis shows the continuous irradiation time when light was repeatedly irradiated for 5 days, and the vertical axis shows the blood enkephalin concentration (pg / mL) of the rats. In the graph of FIG. 20, one asterisk (*) is added to the group where p<0.05, and two asterisks are added to the group where p<0.01. From the graph of FIG. 20, it was found that the rat group exposed to light for 30 minutes had a higher blood enkephalin concentration than the control group exposed to light for less than 30 minutes. In addition, the blood enkephalin concentration of the rat group exposed to light for 1 hour was higher than that of the rat group exposed to light for 30 minutes. However, the blood enkephalin concentration of the rat group exposed to light for 2 hours or more tended to decrease. From the above, it was revealed that light irradiation for 30 minutes or more has a sufficient pain relieving effect on rats.

[0163] In this example, the light irradiation by the light irradiation system of the present disclosure revealed a pain relieving effect on rats. The fact that an increase in blood enkephalin concentration results in a pain relieving effect is not limited to rats but is common to all animals, so the light irradiation system of the present disclosure is applicable to all animals and is considered to have a pain relieving effect similar to that of rats.

[0164] The invention according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the drawings and examples. However, the invention according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. In other words, the invention according to the present disclosure can be modified in various ways within the scope of the present disclosure, and the embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the invention according to the present disclosure. In other words, it should be noted that a person skilled in the art can easily make various modifications or corrections based on the present disclosure. It should also be noted that these modifications or corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d light irradiation device 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Control section 11, 11a Irradiation section 12, 12a Time measurement section 13 Presentation part 14 Distance measurement section 16 Illuminance sensor 18 Communications Department 20 Target Information Management Department 21 Identification information 22 Treatment History Information 23 Treatment Plan Information 42 Illuminance information acquisition section 33 Target information output section 34 Irradiation control unit 17, 17a Shielding mechanism 37 Distance measurement section 38 Illuminance calculation unit 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d Light irradiation system

Claims

1. An irradiation unit that irradiates the subject's eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band; an illuminance information acquisition unit that is positioned opposite the irradiation unit and that acquires illuminance information indicating the illuminance of the light; and an object information output unit that outputs information prompting a change in the state of the object when the illuminance of the light is less than a predetermined illuminance. Light irradiation system.

2. The information for prompting a change in the state of the target is information for directing the face of the target toward the irradiation unit, or information for directing the face of the target closer to the irradiation unit. The light irradiation system according to claim 1 .

3. an illumination control unit that adjusts the intensity of the light emitted from the illumination unit based on the illuminance information; The light irradiation system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The irradiation unit has a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit the light, The plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in an array, The light irradiation system according to claim 3 , wherein the irradiation control unit causes at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements to emit light.

5. The light irradiation system according to claim 4 , wherein the irradiation control unit adjusts an intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit by controlling a number of the arranged light emitting elements to be caused to emit light.

6. 6. The light irradiation system according to claim 5, wherein the irradiation control unit controls an arrangement of light-emitting elements to be made to emit light among the plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in an array, thereby displaying an object composed of light-emitting elements and non-light-emitting elements on the irradiation unit.

7. The light source further includes a shielding mechanism for reducing illuminance of light of a wavelength band different from at least the predetermined wavelength band, the light being different from the light. The light irradiation system according to claim 1 .

8. a time measurement unit that measures a time during which the illuminance of the light is equal to or greater than a predetermined illuminance based on the illuminance information, as an irradiation time; When the length of the irradiation time reaches a predetermined time, the irradiation unit terminates irradiation. The light irradiation system according to claim 1 .

9. The predetermined wavelength band is 450 to 600 nm. The light irradiation system according to claim 8.

10. The length of the predetermined time is equal to or greater than 0.5 hours and less than 8 hours. The light irradiation system according to claim 8 or 9.

11. An irradiation unit that irradiates the subject's eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band; and a subject information output unit that outputs information that prompts a change in the state of the subject when the illuminance of the light at the eye or near the eye of the subject is less than a predetermined illuminance. Light irradiation device.

12. An irradiation unit that irradiates the subject's eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band; A distance measurement unit that identifies a position of an eye of the object based on an image of the object and measures a distance from the irradiation unit; an illuminance calculation unit that calculates an illuminance of the light at or near the eye of the subject based on the distance and the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit; and a target information output unit that outputs information that prompts a user to change the state of the target when the calculated illuminance is equal to or lower than a predetermined illuminance. Light irradiation device.

13. An irradiation step of irradiating the subject's eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band; an illuminance information acquisition step of acquiring illuminance information indicating an illuminance of the light at or near the eye of the subject; and a target information output step of outputting information for prompting a change in the state of the target when the illuminance of the light at or near the eye is less than a predetermined illuminance. A method for controlling a light irradiation system.

14. An irradiation step of irradiating the subject's eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band from an irradiation unit; a distance measurement step of identifying a position of an eye of the object based on an image of the object and measuring a distance from the irradiation unit; an illuminance calculation step of calculating an illuminance of the light at or near the eye of the subject based on the distance and the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit; and a target information output step of outputting information for prompting a change in the state of the target when the illuminance of the light at the eye or near the eye of the target is less than a predetermined illuminance. A method for controlling a light irradiation device.

15. A control program for causing a computer to function as the light irradiation system according to claim 1 or the light irradiation device according to claim 11 or 12.

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