Adaptive Photobiomodulation (PBM)

Abstract

The electro-optical device (1) has a radiation unit (10) for emitting a pulsed radiation beam (11) having a peak emission wavelength of 610 to 1400 nm, a detection unit (20) for detecting a predetermined area of the user's body, and a radiation control unit (30) for receiving an input from the detection unit. The electro-optical device (1) is adapted to direct the radiation beam (11) towards a predetermined area using the radiation control unit (30) such that the radiation beam has a peak irradiation intensity exceeding 0.1 mW / cm 2 on the surface of the user's body in the predetermined area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device that delivers sufficient radiation to induce a photobiomodulation (PBM) effect.

Background Art

[0002]

[0002] Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves irradiating a living body at a specific energy / power level to induce a biological or biochemical response. The irradiation can be in the visible spectrum, such as red light, or in the non-visible spectrum, such as infrared (IR). A significant amount of research has been done on the medical benefits of using PBM therapy to treat physical and psychological symptoms.

[0003]

[0003] However, most devices either perform PBM radiation near-field excitation of the skin or treatment area (i.e., proximity devices) or use very high power to irradiate the whole body. Due to these specifications, PBM is effectively limited only to dedicated medical or treatment devices, which are often bulky and / or expensive. These factors have significantly restricted the availability of the medical benefits of PBM in general society.

[0004]

[0004] In the applicant's PCT applications published as WO2020 / 119965 and WO2021 / 099642, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, a concept of incorporating PBM into general lighting has been proposed using a lighting apparatus that emits stable visible light and further emits pulsed PBM radiation. By driving the radiation source with pulses rather than a continuous wave (or nearly continuous wave) signal, it is possible to enhance the peak power in the pulse to achieve a PBM response. This enables a general lighting device to emit an amount of power sufficient to enable a specific power density (irradiance) at a specific distance that can induce a PBM response. A sensor is provided in such a lighting device to turn the PBM radiation on or off depending on the presence and / or distance of the user.

[0005]

[0005] However, in order to emit an amount of radiation sufficient to induce a PBM response, known PBM devices still require a significant amount of energy to induce a PBM response and a significant amount of time to achieve the desired dose level.

Summary of the Invention

[0006]

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that is more efficient with respect to the energy required to induce a PBM response and with respect to the time required to achieve the desired dose level. In particular, it is desirable to implement such a device in non-expert devices used in normal daily activities, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, televisions, lighting devices, etc.

[0007]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an electro-optical device. The device may comprise a radiation unit adapted to emit a radiation beam, a detection unit adapted to detect a predetermined area of a user's body (e.g., the user's face), and a radiation control unit for receiving an input from the detection unit. The electro-optical device is adapted to direct the radiation beam towards a predetermined area using the radiation control unit such that the radiation beam has a peak irradiation intensity above 0.1 mW / cm 2 on the surface of the user's body in the predetermined area.

[0008]

[0008] The present invention is based on the insight that well-known detection methods (such as face detection) can be used not only to relate to the mere presence of the user, but also to provide useful information regarding the relative position between the device and the user, such as the direction and / or distance from the device to the user. Using such information, the electro-optical device can direct the radiation beam towards a predetermined area in a more directed and / or focused manner, while reducing unwanted radiation outside the predetermined area and wasting less energy.

[0009]

[0009] The radiation control unit may be adapted to control the radiation unit to adaptively adjust the radiation pattern of the radiation beam (e.g., beam direction, beam angle, focus, or a combination thereof) depending on the input from the detection unit. In this way, the electro-optical device can adaptively adjust the radiation pattern to appropriately generate a PBM response in an efficient manner rather than simply switching the entire PBM radiation on and off. Optionally, the radiation beam may be pulsed as described in WO2020 / 119965 and WO2021 / 099642.

[0010]

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined area covers at least a portion of the user's face. This has several advantages. First, face detection methods are well-known and well-developed, which makes implementation simpler and less expensive. Second, the skin of the face is usually not covered by clothing and provides a relatively large area (the average surface area of a male face is 1323 cm 2 2). By directing the radiation beam towards at least a portion of the user's face, the PBM effect can be achieved in a particularly efficient way. Preferably, the predetermined area covers substantially the entire face of the user, including the user's eyes, mouth, and nose.

[0011]

[0011] The radiation pattern refers to the manner in which the radiation beam is emitted (e.g., beam angle, direction, illuminated area(s), transmission power, etc.). By controlling the radiation pattern, the electro-optical device can steer the radiation beam towards a predetermined area of the user even when the user moves. In this way, the energy wasted in inducing the PBM response is reduced, and it is also possible to more quickly achieve the desired irradiation level with the energy collected in the predetermined area. In one embodiment, the radiation control unit is adapted to adjust the radiation pattern so as to cover substantially only the predetermined area.

[0012]

[0012] The radiation pattern can be controlled in various ways. For example, the radiation pattern can be adjusted (e.g., steered, focused, etc.) by optical elements (e.g., one or more lenses, one or more mirrors, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, multiple element emitters (e.g., using multiple LEDs or VCSEL arrays within the radiation unit) may be used. Each radiation element within the multiple element emitter can be arranged to map to an effective illumination area. When a predetermined area is within the effective illumination area, that radiation element is switched on. When a predetermined area is not within the effective illumination area, that radiation element is not switched on (e.g., is switched off by default). In this way, the electro-optical device can map light to a desired location without the need for any moving parts.

[0013]

[0013] In one embodiment, the radiation unit is adapted to project a radiation beam in a first direction. The radiation control unit can be adapted to adjust the first direction and / or the divergence angle of the radiation beam in response to an input from the detection unit in order to adjust the radiation pattern of the radiation beam. This enables a simple implementation that allows the direction of the radiation beam to be simply changed when a user is detected or has moved.

[0014]

[0014] The first direction of the radiation beam can refer to the direction of the nominal centerline of the beam. The divergence angle of the radiation beam can refer to the angle between two directions measured in a plane passing through the nominal beam centerline and at which the intensity is 50% of the maximum intensity, and is sometimes referred to as the full-angle-at-half power (FAHP). For a beam without rotational symmetry, the beam angle is typically given for two planes at 90 degrees and is referred to as the maximum angle and the minimum angle. In the context of this application, the divergence angle refers to the minimum angle in this situation. It should be noted that according to the present invention, the radiation pattern can comprise emitting the radiation beam in a plurality of directions towards a plurality of predetermined areas (e.g., in the case of multiple users). In this case, the divergence angle can be independent in each direction.

[0015]

[0015] In one embodiment, the radiation unit includes an optical element including one or more lenses, and / or one or more mirrors, and / or one or more diffractive optical elements, and the radiation control unit is adapted to move and / or rotate a part of the optical element to adjust a first direction of the radiation beam.

[0016]

[0016] The radiation unit may be driven by a drive current, and the radiation control unit may be adapted to adjust a pulse width, and / or a frequency, and / or an amplitude of the drive current in response to an input from the detection unit to adjust a radiation pattern of the radiation beam. In the above-described plurality of element emitters, this adjustment may be adjusted at the level of individual radiation elements.

[0017]

[0017] In one embodiment, the radiation unit includes a plurality of radiation elements each driven by a drive current, and the radiation control unit is adapted to adjust a drive current of an individual radiation element in response to an input from the detection unit to adjust a radiation pattern of the radiation beam. In this way, the radiation pattern can be adjusted without relying on moving or rotating one or more optical elements.

[0018]

[0018] In one embodiment, the radiation unit includes a plurality of LEDs, and the radiation control unit is adapted to switch on or off a subset of the plurality of LEDs in response to an input from the detection unit to adjust a radiation pattern of the radiation beam. Thereby, it becomes possible to switch on and off a subset of the plurality of LEDs based on detection of a predetermined area. Each subset of LEDs may include one or more LEDs, and different subsets may include different numbers of LEDs.

[0019]

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the radiation unit may comprise a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array having one or more radiation elements, each radiation element having an effective illumination area, and for each radiation element, the radiation control unit is adapted to switch on the radiation element when a predetermined area is within the effective illumination area and not to switch on the radiation element when the predetermined area is not within the effective illumination area. Compared to LEDs, the VCSEL array has the advantage of providing a narrower beam angle and enabling the concentration of radiation energy in a useful area at a longer distance. Further flexibility can also be achieved by moving and / or rotating one or more deflecting members (such as mirrors or (micro)lenses) integrated into the VCSEL array, which can function as (part of or all of) the above-described optical element.

[0020]

[0020] In one embodiment, the detection unit is adapted to determine the distance between the electro-optical device and the predetermined area and generate an output depending on the distance, and the radiation control unit is adapted to react to the detection unit depending on the output of the detection unit. The distance may be determined based on a dedicated distance sensor or estimated based on the size of the detected predetermined area. Thereby, on the one hand, it is possible to generate a sufficient PBM response when the user is close enough to the electro-optical device, and on the other hand, it is possible to obtain eye safety when the user gets too close to the electro-optical device.

[0021]

[0021] By using the one or more means described above alone or in combination, it is possible to achieve radiation pattern adjustment with various degrees of flexibility. This enables a wide range of PBM applications accessible to the user in daily life.

[0022] The radiation unit may be adapted to emit a pulsed radiation beam having a peak emission wavelength between 610 and 1400 nm. In one embodiment, the peak emission wavelength is in the (near) infrared ((N)IR) region, such as between 700 and 1400 nm. In one embodiment, this range may be between 760 and 1400 nm or between 800 and 1100 nm. Another option is the range between 800 and 870 nm. The peak emission wavelength may also have a red light spectrum, such as the range between 610 and 700 nm. Illuminating a predetermined area (e.g., a user's face) with radiation in these spectra can elicit a beneficial PBM response. Some embodiments may utilize a device that simultaneously emits in different wavelength regimes.

[0023] To induce a meaningful PBM effect, >0.1 mW / cm at the surface of the skin 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electro-optical device is configured to ensure that the radiation beam has an irradiation intensity of 0.1 mW / cm at the surface of the user's body in a predetermined area. 2 above 1 mW / cm 2 The radiation control unit is designed to direct the radiation beam toward a predetermined area so that the radiation beam has a peak irradiation intensity greater than 1000 kJ / s, thereby enabling efficient induction of the PBM effect in the predetermined area.

[0024] In one embodiment, the electro-optical device is adapted to be placed on a desk or table. For example, the electro-optical device may be embodied in a tabletop item that emits a radiation beam. A desk or table is an ideal place to place a PBM device because it has well-defined dimensions, thereby providing a predictable distance between the PBM device and a user. This allows the radiating unit of the electro-optical device (e.g., the transmitted power of the radiation beam, etc.) to be designed taking into account the dimensions of a typical desk / table. In this way, a reliable and efficient PBM response can be achieved in a simple and reliable manner.

[0025]

[0025] Such a high-quality product may or may not have any other electrical function (for example, a general lighting function or a display function). The electro-optical device can be arranged as a "PBM gadget" placed on the desk solely or mainly for PBM purposes (the device can include additional non-electrical functions such as functioning as a pencil holder). For example, without a general lighting function, since there is no lamp stem and head in front of the user's face, these objects can be placed closer to the user. This relatively short distance makes it possible to obtain a relatively high radiation intensity in a given area and to reach the desired irradiation level more quickly.

[0026]

[0026] In one embodiment, the electro-optical device is mounted on the ceiling or wall and / or incorporated into a portable user device (such as a smartphone) and / or a display device (such as a TV). Also, these embodiments enable the electro-optical device to utilize the typical distance between such a device and the user in combination with one or more radiation pattern adjustment means to reliably induce the PBM effect.

[0027]

[0027] In one embodiment, the electro-optical device is incorporated into a general lighting device, and the radiation unit is adapted to project a radiation beam with a divergence angle within 2×30°, preferably within 2×25°, more preferably within 2×20°, more preferably within 2×15°, and even more preferably within 2×10°. As described in the background section, the idea of incorporating a PBM device into a general lighting device is known per se. However, by utilizing the radiation pattern adjustment ability of the present invention and the relatively large typical distance between the lighting device and the user, a particularly narrow divergence angle of the radiation beam (for example, 2×10°) can be adopted. Using such a narrow beam can achieve both energy usage and irradiation dose accumulation efficiency.

[0028]

[0028] More generally, in the electro-optical device (not limited to general lighting devices) according to the present invention, the radiation unit can be adapted to project a radiation beam with a divergence angle (or FAHP) within + / -30°, preferably within + / -25°, more preferably within + / -20°, more preferably within + / -15°, and even more preferably within + / -10° around the central beam line.

[0029]

[0029] The electro-optical device may further include a timer that starts in response to an input from the detection unit, and the radiation control unit is adapted to stop the emission of the radiation beam from the radiation unit when the timer expires. The radiation control unit may be adapted to set the timer according to a predetermined expiration time, or to set the timer such that it expires after a predetermined irradiation level (e.g., in the range of 0.01 to 50 J / cm 2 preferably in the range of 0.1 to 20 J / cm 2 more preferably in the range of 1 to 10 J / cm 2 even more preferably in the range of 4 to 7 J / cm 2 is exceeded in a predetermined area). This enables efficient irradiation dose control. Further, in combination with the means described below, personalized irradiation dose control for individual users can be achieved.

[0030]

[0030] The detection unit can be adapted to detect a plurality of predetermined areas corresponding to a plurality of users. This enables the electro-optical device to direct the radiation beam towards a plurality of users sequentially or simultaneously.

[0031]

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the detection unit is adapted to recognize and distinguish individual users (e.g., using face recognition or a similar method for determining user identity), and for each recognized user, the radiation control unit ensures that in each predetermined area of each user, the radiation beam exceeds 0.1 mW / cm 2 preferably 1 mW / cm 2It is adapted to direct the radiation beam towards a predetermined area of the user's body by adjusting the radiation pattern so as to have a peak irradiation intensity exceeding that. Thereby, the electro-optical device can induce PBM responses for a plurality of users, and it becomes possible to individually control the irradiation dose for each user. By identifying a specific user, the electro-optical device can easily track each user even when the user moves or switches positions. Thereby, it also becomes possible to reliably adjust the irradiation dose for each specific user. The irradiation intensity for a predetermined area may generally be uniform, or may vary to some extent over the area. In the latter case, a specific value of the irradiation intensity can be measured at the center of the radiation beam, for example, at the center of a predetermined area. Similarly, the cumulative irradiation dose can be derived in the same manner.

[0032]

[0032] In one embodiment, for each recognized user, the electro-optical device is adapted to start a timer when the user is recognized by the detection unit, and the radiation control unit is adapted to adjust the radiation pattern at the expiration of each individual timer for each user. For example, when the timer for a specific user expires (indicating that the target user has obtained a cumulative irradiation dose level in the range of, for example, 0.01 to 50 J / cm 2 preferably in the range of 0.1 to 20 J / cm 2 more preferably in the range of 1 to 10 J / cm 2 more preferably in the range of 4 to 7 J / cm 2 ), the radiation control unit may stop directing the radiation beam towards that specific user.

[0033]

[0033] In one embodiment, for each recognized user, the radiation control unit is adapted to pause the corresponding timer when the user is no longer recognized (e.g., when the user leaves the room, is temporarily blocked, or moves too far away), and resume the timer when the user is recognized again. Since the electro-optical device recognizes each specific user, this enables the electro-optics to maintain the cumulative irradiation level for each user even if a user temporarily disappears and reappears.

[0034]

[0034] Next, embodiments will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, where corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035]

Figure 1A

[0035] An embodiment of the electro-optical device 1 according to the present invention is schematically shown.

Figure 1B

Figure 2A

[0036] One of various devices in which the electro-optical device 1 according to the present invention can be implemented is schematically shown.

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 2D

Figure 3A

[0037] An embodiment in which the radiation pattern is controlled using optical means is schematically shown.

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 3D

Figure 4A

[0038] An embodiment in which the radiation pattern is controlled by controlling a radiation source is schematically shown.

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 5

[0039] An embodiment of the electro-optical device 1 according to the present invention, which includes a timer for the purpose of dose control, is schematically shown.

Figure 6

[0040] An embodiment in which the electro-optical device 1 is capable of recognizing and distinguishing individual users is schematically shown.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0036]

[0041] The following is a description of specific embodiments of the present invention, given merely by way of example with reference to the drawings.

[0037]

[0042] FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of the electro-optical device 1 according to the present invention. The device 1 may include a radiation unit 10 for emitting a radiation beam 11, a detection unit 20 for detecting an area of interest, and a radiation control unit 30 for receiving an input from the detection unit 20.

[0038]

[0043] The detection unit 20 functions to detect a predetermined area of the user's body. The predetermined area may be associated with any part of the user's body. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined area covers at least a portion of the user's face, as shown in FIG. 1A.

[0039]

[0044] Facial detection or facial recognition is a kind of object detection widely used in smartphones, security systems, photography, video conferencing, lip reading, etc. One method relies on constructing a feature vector based on the detected size and location of features such as eyes, mouth, and nose. In the case of facial recognition, facial features are not only detected and recognized as general facial features, but also the facial features of a specific person are determined, for example, by their specific size and (relative) position, and are identified by comparing them with a reference image. The present invention can be implemented using facial detection or facial recognition, but the latter is advantageous when multiple users are involved or for personal exposure control.

[0040]

[0045] There are various well-known techniques used for facial detection or facial recognition. Examples include conventional image analysis using visible light images and / or (N)IR images, HID (Human identification at a distance), 3D facial recognition, thermal images, etc. The present invention can be implemented using any of these techniques, combinations thereof, or any other technique capable of detecting or recognizing a user's face.

[0041]

[0046] Utilizing facial detection or facial recognition in embodiments of the present invention has another advantage. The skin of the face is usually not covered by clothing and provides a relatively large area (the average surface area of a male face is 1323 cm 2 ). By directing the radiation beam 11 towards at least a part of the user's face, the PBM effect can be induced in this relatively large and stable area. This improves the efficiency of the PBM device.

[0042]

[0047] In this way, a well-known detection method (such as face detection) can be utilized to provide useful information regarding the relative position between the device and the user, for example, the direction and / or distance from the device to the user. As shown in FIG. 1A, using such information, the electro-optical device can direct and / or focus the radiation beam in a manner directed towards a predetermined area and reduce unnecessary radiation outside the predetermined area. This can be achieved by placing the electro-optical device 1 as designed in combination with a designed beam angle (e.g., a half-power full angle (FAHP) within 2×30°, 2×25°, 2×20°, 2×15°, or 2×10° depending on the designed location of the electro-optical device 1), and / or by adjusting the radiation pattern of the radiation beam 11 as described below.

[0043]

[0048] The radiation control unit 30 can be adapted to control the radiation unit to adaptively adjust the radiation pattern of the radiation beam (e.g., beam direction, beam angle, focus, or a combination thereof) depending on the input from the detection unit. One embodiment is shown in FIG. 1B.

[0044]

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1B, when the user moves (e.g., stands up from a chair), the radiation pattern is adjusted to direct the radiation beam 11 towards the new location of a predetermined area (e.g., the face). The radiation pattern can be adjusted by adjusting the direction of the beam (as shown in the figure) or in another way (e.g., by changing the spread angle, focus, etc. (see FIGS. 3A - 3D and FIGS. 4A - 4C below)).

[0045]

[0050] In one embodiment, the detection unit is adapted to determine the distance between the electro-optical device and a predetermined area and generate an output depending on said distance, and the emission control unit is adapted to react to the detection unit depending on the output of the detection unit. The distance may be determined based on a dedicated distance sensor (not shown) or may be determined using the detection unit 20. For example, the detection unit 20 may estimate the size of a predetermined area and estimate the distance based on this estimate.

[0046]

[0051] The emission unit may be adapted to emit an emission beam having a peak emission wavelength in the range of 610 to 1400 nm. In one embodiment, the peak emission wavelength is in the (near) infrared ((N)IR) region, such as 700 to 1400 nm. In one embodiment, this range may be 760 to 1400 nm or 800 to 1100 nm. Another option is the range of 800 to 870 nm. The peak emission wavelength can also have a spectrum of red light, such as in the range of 610 to 700 nm. Recent advances in medical research have demonstrated that irradiating a living body with emissions comprising the (N)IR spectrum and / or red light at certain energy / power levels can induce beneficial biological or biochemical responses. Such irradiation is often referred to as photobiomodulation (PBM). The available medical research results regarding the medical benefits of using PBM therapy to treat physical and psychological symptoms are increasing rapidly. Some of the wavelengths of particular interest include 606, 627, 630, 632.8, 640, 660, and 670 nm (within the red region), and 785, 800, 804, 808, 810, 820, 830, 850, 904, 980, and 1060 nm (within the NIR region). Some of the spectral ranges of particular interest include 650 to 680 nm and 800 to 870 nm. The emission unit may be configured to emit emissions simultaneously in a multi-wavelength regime.

[0047]

[0052] The radiation beam 11 can be pulsed, as described in WO2020 / 119965 and WO2021 / 099642. Using pulses instead of a constant or nearly constant signal makes it possible to enhance the peak radiation power emitted by the light source while consuming the same amount of power. In other words, a light source with pulsed emission can achieve a much higher peak radiation power than the same device with continuous wave (CW) emission. To induce a meaningful PBM effect, it is generally recognized that an irradiation intensity of >0.1 mW / cm 2 is required at the surface of the skin. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electro-optical device is designed to direct the radiation beam towards a predetermined area such that the radiation beam has a peak irradiation intensity of more than 0.1 mW / cm 2 at the surface of the user's body in the predetermined area, preferably more than 1 mW / cm 2 Thereby, the PBM effect can be efficiently induced, and a desired irradiation dose level (e.g., in the range of 0.01 - 50 J / cm 2 , preferably in the range of 0.1 - 20 J / cm 2 , more preferably in the range of 1 - 10 J / cm 2 , even more preferably in the range of 4 - 7 J / cm 2 ) can be obtained within 1 hour or less.

[0048]

[0053] FIGS. 2A - 2D show various examples of how the electro-optical device 1 according to the present invention can be applied. Such a device can include the means described above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0049]

[0054] Figure 2A shows an embodiment in which the electro-optical device 1 is designed to be placed on a desk 201 (or table), for example, in the form of an office item. The desk (or table) has well-defined dimensions. As these dimensions set the boundaries of the distance between the electro-optical device 1 and the user, it becomes an ideal place to place the PBM device. Taking these dimensions into account, it is possible to design the characteristics (e.g., divergence angle, etc.) of the radiation beam 11 such that the width of the radiation beam 11 has sufficient power to induce the PBM effect and covers a predetermined area without excess or deficiency.

[0050]

[0055] Many people have objects (e.g., pencil holders, sound speakers, etc.) on their desks. These objects are suitable for incorporating the electro-optical device 1. Most of these objects are placed relatively close to the user, making them suitable for embodying the PBM function.

[0051]

[0056] Figure 2B shows an embodiment in which the electro-optical device 1 is embodied in a computer display 202. Similar to Figure 2A, this embodiment allows the use of the typical dimensions of the desk 201 (or table) to design the electro-optical device 1 such that the transmission power of the radiation beam is high enough to induce a PBM response during the intended use, considering the propagation of the radiation beam 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation beam 11 is focused on the user's face (rather than spreading), thereby enabling the efficient use of the energy of the radiation beam to induce the PBM effect. The focus (and / or the direction of the beam) can be adjusted as part of the radiation pattern adjustment when the user moves further away or closer. Similarly, the electro-optical device 1 can also be embodied in a television (not shown) where the user can be assumed to be sitting at a certain distance away. Also, the radiation unit can be incorporated into a separate device attached on or near the computer display or television.

[0052]

[0057] Figure 2C shows an embodiment in which the electro-optical device 1 is incorporated into a portable user device such as a smartphone. This embodiment has several advantages. First, the face detection / recognition function is usually already implemented in such devices, thereby reducing the cost of implementing the present invention. Furthermore, many users have a relatively long screen time with such devices and maintain a relatively short and stable distance from the screen (e.g., 30 cm). This makes such portable devices an ideal device for providing the PBM effect.

[0053]

[0058] Figure 2D shows an embodiment in which the electro-optical device 1 is incorporated into a general lighting device 203. In the illustrated embodiment, the general lighting device 203 is attached to the ceiling 204. It may also be attached to a wall, or may be a self-standing lamp, or any other lamp arrangement.

[0054]

[0059] In addition to the radiation beam 11, the general lighting device 203 further emits visible light 213 for general lighting purposes, as described in WO2020 / 119965 and WO2021 / 099642. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention enables the radiation beam 11 to be further directed and / or focused. Preferably, the radiation beam 11 has a divergence angle within 2×30°, preferably within 2×25°, more preferably within 2×20°, more preferably within 2×15°, more preferably within 2×10°. As can be seen from the figure, the visible light 213 spreads widely for general lighting purposes, but the radiation beam 11 is projected onto a predetermined area (e.g., the user's face) so as to induce the PBM effect in that area. This enables energy savings and an optimal irradiation amount. The better the delivery of the radiation beam 11 is controlled, the less the "loss" of energy, and as a result, the user receives exactly the right amount of PBM radiation.

[0055]

[0060] The following table shows simulation results reflecting this advantage over the comparative examples. The embodiments and comparative examples use the same pulse conditions (current, frequency, pulse width, duty cycle) for the radiation beam, but the embodiments use a significantly narrower beam angle and thus illumination area. In the simulated embodiments, the illumination area is slightly larger than the average surface area of a male face (1323 cm 2 (see: Jayasekara et al. Forensic Med. Anat. Res. 2016)). Thus, most of the radiant energy is concentrated in a given area, and therefore, the time required to obtain a cumulative exposure dose of 6.3 J / cm 2 is significantly reduced (1.2 hours vs. over 8 hours), and the number of LEDs used can be significantly reduced. As a result, the amount of energy required in this embodiment is significantly reduced.

[0056]

Table 1

[0057] [Radiation Pattern Adjustment]

[0061] Figures 3A - 3D show some embodiments in which the radiation pattern is controlled using the optical element 10b. These means can be implemented in the electro - optical device 1 of FIGS. 1 - 2.

[0058]

[0062] In these embodiments, the radiation unit 10 includes a radiation source 10a and may optionally include an optical element 10b. The optical element 10b may include one or more lenses (FIG. 3A), one or more mirrors (FIG. 3B), one or more diffractive optical elements (DOEs) (FIG. 3C), or a combination thereof. For example, one or more lenses and one or more mirrors may be combined to utilize total internal reflection (FIG. 3D). Other combinations are possible, including combinations of the same type of deflection elements (e.g., two or more lenses, two or more mirrors, two or more DOEs). The radiation pattern may be adjusted by moving and / or rotating a portion of the optical element, e.g., by moving one lens / mirror / DOE while maintaining the position of another lens / mirror / DOE.

[0059]

[0063] In this way, the propagation of the radiation beam 11 can be adjusted in various ways. For example, the radiation control unit 30 may be adapted to adjust the direction and / or divergence angle of the radiation beam (along the center line "c") and / or the focus of the beam in response to an input from the detection unit.

[0060]

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, the radiation pattern may be adjusted by changing the radiation emitted from the radiation source 10a, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, which may be implemented in the above-described embodiments.

[0061]

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4A, a plurality of element emitters can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation source 10a of the radiation unit 10 includes a plurality of radiation elements 410, 411, 412 each driven by a drive current. Although the figure shows only three radiation elements, any other number of radiation elements may be implemented. In this embodiment, a radiation control unit 30 (not shown in FIG. 4) is adapted to adjust the drive current of each individual radiation element in response to an input from a detection unit in order to adjust the radiation pattern of the radiation beam 11 (in this embodiment, a collection of radiations 110, 111, 112 from the individual radiation elements 410, 411, 412). Each radiation element within the plurality of element emitters can be arranged to map to an effective illumination area. For example, when a predetermined area is within the effective area, the radiation element is switched on. When a predetermined area is not within the effective area, the radiation element is not switched on (e.g., is switched off by default). This enables the electro-optical device to project the radiation beam 11 to a desired location without the need for any moving parts.

[0062]

[0066] In one embodiment, the radiation unit includes a plurality of LEDs, and the radiation control unit is adapted to switch on or off a subset of the plurality of LEDs in response to an input from a detection unit in order to adjust the radiation pattern of the radiation beam. This enables switching on and off of subsets of the plurality of LEDs based on the detection of a predetermined area. Each subset of LEDs may include one or more LEDs, and different subsets may include different numbers of LEDs. Different subsets of LEDs may be used to project the radiation beam towards different users.

[0063]

[0067] A VCSEL array (vertical cavity surface emitting laser array) is another suitable option. Compared to LEDs, VCSEL arrays have the advantage of providing a relatively narrow radiation beam. For example, the APS6401010002, a VCSEL array product commercially available from II-VI, Inc., can generate a beam of 25 degrees.

[0064]

[0068] A VCSEL array typically includes a plurality of individual emitters. Each individual emitter may be provided with an integrated deflection member, such as a mirror or a lens, to set the beam direction. Typically, each deflection member is fixed in a predetermined position, but is configured differently for each individual emitter so that each emitter irradiates in a predetermined direction. The individual emitters can be switched on or off so as to irradiate only the object of interest (within a wide far-field image). This makes it possible to switch these individual emitters on and off based on the input from the detection unit 20.

[0065]

[0069] Figure 4B shows an embodiment of the radiation unit 10 using a VCSEL array with a plurality of emitters. In the illustrated embodiment, the VCSEL array can function as a radiation source 10a and includes a plurality of active regions 410a, 411a, 412a (typically in the form of quantum wells in a semiconductor laser diode) for generating radiation, and a substrate 420 that forms a plurality of microlenses 410b, 411b, 412b which can function as part or all of the optical element 10b. The VCSEL array may further include a submount for accommodating the plurality of emitters. The microlenses 410b, 411b, 412b are shaped and / or positioned to direct the laser radiation in various different directions. In the illustrated embodiment, the microlens 411b is concentric with the corresponding active region 411a (thus, the laser radiation 111 generated by the active region 411a is not deflected), while the microlenses 410b and 412b are eccentric in different directions with respect to the corresponding active regions 410a and 412a (thus, the laser radiations 110 and 112 generated by the active regions 410a and 412a are deflected in the designed directions). By switching individual emitters (active regions) on and off, the radiation pattern can be controlled. In this way, no moving parts are required. Alternatively, more flexible beam control can also be achieved by moving and / or rotating the microlenses 410b, 411b, 412b in the VCSEL array relative to the active regions 410a, 411a, 412a. By moving the array of microlenses 410b, 411b, 412b (as indicated by the arrow b in Figure 4B), by moving the array of active regions 410a, 411a, 412a (as indicated by the arrow a in Figure 4B), or by both, simple adjustments can be achieved. It is also possible to manufacture the microlenses 410b, 411b, 412b as separate components and individually control these elements using, for example, so-called microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

[0066]

[0070] For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, for each of the radiation elements 410, 411, 412, the radiation control unit 30 (not shown in FIG. 4C) can be adapted to switch on the radiation element when a predetermined area is within the effective area and not to switch on the radiation element when the predetermined area is not within the effective area. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined area (the user's face) is outside the illumination area of the radiation element 412, and thus this element is switched off. The predetermined area is within the illumination areas of the radiation elements 410, 411, and thus these elements are switched on. Note that for simplicity, this schematic shows only three radiation elements. In practice, an LED or VCSEL array includes many more radiation elements.

[0067] [Multi-user support and individual irradiation dose control]

[0071] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the electro-optical device 1 further includes a timer 40. This embodiment may include one or more means described above in the context of FIGS. 1-4.

[0068]

[0072] Research has demonstrated that the benefits of the PBM effect vary depending on the cumulative irradiation dose per day. When the cumulative irradiation dose is too low, the benefits are slight. When the cumulative irradiation dose is too high, the beneficial PBM effect also decreases and may even cause damage. Therefore, it is preferable to control the cumulative irradiation dose per day within a specific amount (for example, in the range of 0.01 - 50 J / cm 2 , preferably in the range of 0.1 - 20 J / cm 2 , more preferably in the range of 1 - 10 J / cm 2 , even more preferably in the range of 4 - 7 J / cm 2 ).

[0069]

[0073] Accordingly, the timer 40 can start in response to an input from the detection unit 20. For example, the detection unit 20 may instruct the timer 40 when a face is detected or recognized, or may instruct the radiation control unit 30 to start the timer. When the timer expires and a sufficient amount of irradiation dose level (for example, 0.01 - 50 J / cm 2) indicates that the cumulative value over one day, the radiation control unit 30 then stops the irradiation of the radiation beam 11 from the radiation unit 10. The timer 40 may be set according to a predetermined expiration time (e.g., 2 hours), or may be set so that the timer expires after exceeding a predetermined irradiation dose level (e.g., 0.01~50 J / cm 2 ) is exceeded.

[0070]

[0074] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the electro-optical device 1 capable of achieving the dose control described in FIG. 5 for each user.

[0071]

[0075] In this embodiment, the detection unit is adapted to recognize and distinguish individual users (e.g., using face recognition instead of face detection). The radiation pattern is such that the radiation beam 11 is directed individually at all users. In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation beam 11 comprises a plurality of beamlets 11a and 11b each directed at a predetermined area (e.g., the face) of the recognized user. The same applies when there are more than two users, in which case there are more than two beamlets. Alternatively or additionally, the radiation beam 11 may rotate between users under the control of a radiation control unit 30 (not shown in FIG. 6). In this way, for each user, a peak irradiation intensity exceeding 0.1 mW / cm in a predetermined area, preferably exceeding 1 mW / cm 2 can be achieved simultaneously or at different times. In this embodiment, by taking one step further from face detection towards face recognition, the electro-optical device can easily track each user even when the user moves or changes positions unexpectedly. 2

[0072]

[0076] For each individual user, when the electro-optical device 1 recognizes the user by the detection unit 20, it can start a timer, and the radiation control unit 30 can adjust the radiation pattern when each individual timer expires. As a result, the radiation beam 11 is not directed at a user whose cumulative irradiation dose exceeds a specific threshold. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, when the user on the left obtains a cumulative irradiation dose exceeding the threshold, the radiation control unit 30 can switch off the beamlet 11a (for example, by switching off the corresponding LED or VCSEL emitter, etc.).

[0073]

[0077] The radiation control unit can further pause the corresponding timer when the user is no longer recognized (for example, when the user leaves the room, is temporarily blocked, or moves too far away), and resume the timer when the user is recognized again. Since the electro-optical device 1 recognizes each specific user (using face recognition in this embodiment), this enables the electro-optical device to maintain accurate irradiation dose control without being interrupted when a user in operation unexpectedly disappears from view for a while.

[0074]

[0078] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the electro-optical device 1 is incorporated into a general lighting device, but this embodiment is equally applicable to any embodiment of the electro-optical device 1 such as the above-described desktop monitor or television.

[0075]

[0079] The above-described specific embodiments involve logical operations or calculations. These can be implemented using software (e.g., code embodied on a machine-readable medium or within a transmission signal), hardware, or a combination thereof. In a software implementation, one or more processors can be used. A hardware implementation can involve the use of dedicated circuitry or logic circuits configured to perform specific operations. For example, a hardware module can be a programmable logic device such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC. It will be understood that the determination of whether to implement using software, hardware, or a combination thereof can be made by considering cost and time.

[0076]

[0080] The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative and equivalent embodiments of the present invention can be conceived and implemented without departing from the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. Electro-optical device (1), A radiation unit (10) adapted to emit a radiation beam (11) having a peak emission wavelength of 610 to 1400 nm, A detection unit (20) adapted to detect a predetermined area of ​​the user's body, A radiation control unit (30) for receiving input from the detection unit, Equipped with, The electro-optical device (1) emits a beam of 0.1 mW / cm² on the surface of the user's body in the predetermined area. ２ An electro-optical device (1) is adapted to direct the radiation beam (11) toward the predetermined area using the radiation control unit (30) so as to have a peak irradiation intensity exceeding a certain value.

2. The electro-optic device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the radiation control unit (30) is adapted to control the radiation unit to adaptively adjust the radiation pattern of the radiation beam (11) depending on the input from the detection unit.

3. The electro-optical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined area covers substantially the entire face of the user, including the user's eyes, mouth, and nose.

4. The electro-optical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radiation unit (10) is adapted to project the radiation beam (11) in a first direction, and the radiation control unit is adapted to adjust the first direction and / or divergence angle of the radiation beam in response to an input from the detection unit in order to adjust the radiation pattern of the radiation beam (11).

5. The electro-optical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radiation unit (10) comprises an optical element (10b) having one or more lenses and / or one or more mirrors and / or one or more diffractive optical elements, and the radiation control unit (30) is adapted to move and / or rotate a portion of the optical element to adjust the first direction of the radiation beam.

6. The electro-optical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radiation unit (10) comprises a plurality of radiation elements (410, 411, 412), each driven by a drive current, and the radiation control unit is adapted to adjust the drive current of each radiation element in response to an input from the detection unit in order to adjust the radiation pattern of the radiation beam (11).

7. The electro-optical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radiation unit comprises a plurality of LEDs, and the radiation control unit is adapted to switch on or off a subset of the plurality of LEDs in response to an input from the detection unit in order to adjust the radiation pattern of the radiation beam (11).

8. The electro-optical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radiation unit comprises a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) array having one or more radiating elements, each radiating element having an effective illumination area, and for each radiating element, the radiation control unit (30) is adapted to switch on the radiating element when the predetermined area is within the effective illumination area, and not to switch on the radiating element when the predetermined area is not within the effective illumination area.

9. The electro-optic device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection unit is adapted to determine the distance between the electro-optic device (1) and the predetermined area and to generate an output depending on the distance, and the radiation control unit is adapted to respond to the detection unit depending on the output of the detection unit (20).

10. The electro-optic device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electro-optic device is adapted to be placed on a desk or table.

11. The electro-optical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electro-optical device (1) is mounted on a ceiling or wall, and / or the electro-optical device is incorporated into a portable user device and / or display device.

12. The electro-optic device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electro-optic device is incorporated into a general lighting device, and the radiation unit is adapted to project the radiation beam at a divergence angle of 2 × 30° or less, preferably 2 × 25° or less, more preferably 2 × 20° or less, more preferably 2 × 15° or less, and more preferably 2 × 10° or less.

13. The electro-optical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radiation unit is adapted to project the radiation beam at a divergence angle of within + / - 30°, preferably within + / - 25°, more preferably within + / - 20°, more preferably within + / - 15°, and more preferably within + / - 10° around the central beamline.

14. The detection unit is adapted to recognize and distinguish individual users, and for each recognized user, the radiation control unit controls the radiation beam to 0.1 mW / cm² in each predetermined area of ​​each user. ２ The electro-optical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, which is adapted to direct the radiation beam toward a predetermined area of ​​the user's body by adjusting the radiation pattern to have a peak irradiation intensity exceeding .

15. The electro-optic device (1) according to claim 14, wherein for each recognized user, the electro-optic device is adapted to start a timer when the detection unit recognizes the user, and the radiation control unit is adapted to adjust the radiation pattern for each user at the expiration of each individual timer.

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