Stand-alone device for delivering violet light to prevent or slow the progression of myopia

Abstract

The standalone device can detect the user's face / eyes and provide violet light to the user. The device can include a fixture attached to a platform and at least one motor for moving the platform. A directional light source coupled to a processor can emit a light signal directed to an adjustable focus. A camera coupled to the processor can detect the user and provide an image of the user's face to the processor. The processor can send a signal to the motor to adjust the orientation of the platform so that the eye is centered in the frame and adjust the focus. A distance sensor coupled to the processor can estimate the distance between the fixture and the eye to ensure an appropriate light energy density is administered to the user. The camera, directional light source, and / or distance sensor can be embedded in the fixture.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to preventing or slowing the progression of myopia, and more particularly to systems and methods that use a stand-alone device to deliver VL to a user's eye to prevent or slow the progression of myopia.

[0002] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 394,385, filed August 2, 2022, entitled "STAND-ALONE APPLIANCE FOR VIOLET LIGHT DELIVERY TO PREVENT OR SLOW THE PROGRESSION OF MYOPIA," the entirety of which is incorporated by reference for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0003] Myopia (also known as nearsightedness) is a common refractive error of the eye that is widespread worldwide and is increasing in prevalence. In fact, it is predicted that by 2050, 50% of the world's population will be affected by myopia. Myopic individuals can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. Myopia tends to develop and progress most rapidly during childhood and adolescence, but can develop or worsen at any time throughout a person's life. It is believed that individuals are at increased risk of developing or worsening myopia as they increase their near-vision tasks (e.g., use of computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.) and / or spend more time indoors (indoor lighting rarely contains light with wavelengths shorter than 400 nm). One way to reduce the risk of myopia or slow its progression is for individuals to spend a certain amount of time outdoors (e.g., in sunlight containing wavelengths shorter than 400 nm). However, for many people in developed countries, spending regular time outdoors in unobstructed sunlight—the amount of time needed to slow the onset of myopia—is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve (e.g., due to school demands, climate change, increased computer and phone use, etc.). For those who are unable or unwilling to spend adequate time outdoors, other methods are needed to increase exposure to light with wavelengths less than 400 nm (e.g., violet light) to slow or prevent the progression of myopia. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A standalone device can be used to deliver violet light to a user to slow or prevent the progression of myopia. The standalone device can identify the user and deliver a predetermined amount of violet light to the user from a violet light source operating at low power and directed toward the user's eye. The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for using the standalone device to prevent or slow the progression of myopia. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure includes a system for preventing or slowing the progression of myopia. The system can include a fixture attached to a platform and at least one motor configured to move the platform. The system can also include a directional light source coupled to a processor and capable of emitting a light signal (including violet light) directed at an adjustable focus; a camera coupled to the processor and capable of detecting the presence of a user and providing an image of the user's face to the processor, the processor sending a signal to the at least one motor to adjust the orientation of the platform so that the eye is centered in the frame and initiate adjustment of the adjustable focus of the directional light source; and a distance sensor coupled to the processor and capable of estimating the distance between the fixture and the eye to ensure that an appropriate light energy density is administered to the user. Note that at least one of the camera, the directional light source, and the distance sensor can be embedded within the fixture.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure includes a method for preventing or slowing the progression of myopia. The steps of the method can be performed by a system including a processor. The steps of the method include recognizing the presence of a user via at least one camera in communication with the processor, identifying the user from a stored group of one or more users of the system, and providing a directional therapeutic light treatment (e.g., violet light) to at least one eye of the user via directional light sources. At least one of the directional light sources and the at least one camera is movable by at least one motor in communication with the processor.

[0007] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from a reading of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system that can use a standalone device to deliver violet light to a user to prevent or slow the progression of myopia. [Figure 2] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing examples of components of the fixture of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of firmware that can be used to operate the system of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for using a stand-alone device to deliver violet light to a user to prevent or slow the progression of myopia. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for detecting a user. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for delivering a VL to a user's eye. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram showing a method for adjusting the amount of VL treatment administered to a user. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for detecting a user's eyewear designed to block light. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] I. Definition Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0010] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" can include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0011] As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" may specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups.

[0012] As used herein, the term "and / or" may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0013] As used herein, terms such as "first," "second," etc., do not limit the elements described by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a "first" element described below could also be referred to as a "second" element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. The order of operations (or acts / steps) is not limited to the order shown in the claims or figures, unless otherwise specified.

[0014] As used herein, the term "myopia," also known as "nearsightedness," can refer to a general vision condition in which nearby objects are seen clearly, but distant objects are blurred.

[0015] As used herein, the term "violet light," also referred to as "VL," can refer to light at the short-wavelength end of the visible spectrum (having a wavelength shorter than blue light) and may include ultraviolet light. VL can be administered to a user as a light signal used as a treatment (also referred to as phototreatment) to prevent or slow the progression of myopia. As one example, violet light can have a wavelength of 310 nm to 450 nm. As another example, violet light can have a wavelength of 360 nm to 400 nm.

[0016] As used herein, the term "standalone device" may refer to a device that is substantially self-contained and is not integrated into or attached to a device having another purpose.

[0017] As used herein, the term "fixture" refers to a support device that can be mounted on a platform and can include one or more components (e.g., one or more components can be embedded within or attached to the fixture). Components can include, for example, a camera, a directional light source, and / or a distance sensor.

[0018] As used herein, the term "motor" can refer to hardware that provides movement. For example, a motor can be used to move a platform in at least one degree of freedom (a direction of movement that is free to vary). For example, the movement can be left / right movement, up / down movement, rotation, etc., caused by a servo motor.

[0019] As used herein, the term "ambient light" may refer to any light that illuminates the environment around a user. By way of example, ambient light may include natural light (e.g., sunlight) or artificial light (e.g., from a lamp or overhead light).

[0020] As used herein, the term "user," which may also be referred to as "subject," "patient," etc., can refer to a human being of any age who uses a standalone device to deliver VL to at least one eye for the purpose of preventing or slowing the progression of myopia.

[0021] II. Overview The present disclosure generally relates to preventing or slowing the progression of myopia using violet light. Myopia is a common eye disorder in which a person can see nearby objects clearly but distant objects blurred. Myopia is already quite common, and its prevalence is steadily increasing worldwide as people engage in more close-vision tasks and / or spend more time indoors. It is believed that the onset and / or progression of myopia can be mitigated or delayed by regular exposure to unobstructed sunlight daily and / or weekly. However, for many people in developed countries, spending regular hours outdoors in unobstructed sunlight—the amount of time needed to delay the onset of myopia—is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve (e.g., due to school demands, climate change, increased computer and phone use, etc.). It has been hypothesized that outdoor light differs from indoor light in that outdoor light naturally contains violet light wavelengths, while indoor light generally filters out such wavelengths. Thus, violet light can be delivered into a person's eye in the hopes of achieving the same results as spending appropriate time outdoors.

[0022] As described herein, a standalone device (e.g., about the size of a standard 12-ounce beverage can) can be used to deliver violet light to a user to slow or prevent the progression of myopia. The standalone device can be used to prevent or slow the progression of myopia even in individuals who are unable to spend adequate time outdoors. However, it is hypothesized that children, teenagers, and college students may be particularly in need of and benefit most from such violet light treatment. The standalone device can include a camera imaging system for face / eye detection and a motorized violet light source that tracks the detected face / eyes and directs light toward at least one of the detected eyes while avoiding exposing the remainder of the user to the light. The standalone device can operate at low power (e.g., less than 0.31 W / cm2). In some cases, the standalone device can identify a user from a group of users and determine how much violet light the user has already received so that an appropriately predetermined amount of violet light is delivered to the user. Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for using a stand-alone device to prevent the onset or slow the progression of myopia.

[0023] III.System One aspect of the present disclosure includes a system 100 (FIG. 1) that can use a standalone device to deliver violet light (VL). As an example, the standalone device can configure and / or provide VL therapy to a user's eyes. The standalone device can be substantially self-contained and not integrated into or attached to a device having another purpose. As an example, the standalone device can be about the size of a standard 12-ounce beverage can. In some cases, the standalone device can be shaped like a standard 12-ounce beverage can. However, it should be understood that the standalone device can be any shape and / or size, and the standard 12-ounce beverage can is merely an example of a size and shape. The standalone device can be configured to administer VL therapy to one or more eyes of a user using one or more directional beams of VL. It should be understood that VL generally includes light at the short-wavelength end of the visible spectrum (e.g., wavelengths shorter than those of blue light) and may include ultraviolet light. As an example, VL may have a wavelength of 310 nm to 450 nm, or as another example, VL may have a wavelength of 360 nm to 400 nm.

[0024] A standalone device can deliver VL therapy to one or more of a user's eyes to prevent or slow the progression of myopia (also known as nearsightedness) in one or more of the user's eyes. Myopia can develop or worsen in users of any age, particularly due to increased near-vision activities (e.g., use of computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.) and increased time spent indoors. Therefore, one or more eyes of any user (of any age) can benefit from VL delivery. However, because myopia tends to develop and progress most rapidly during childhood and adolescence, one or more eyes of users under the age of 25 may benefit most from VL delivery. The standalone device can be placed near areas where the user spends time without excessive movement (e.g., where they do homework, near their computer, near their television, etc.). For example, the standalone device can be portable, allowing the user to move the standalone device from one location to another as needed.

[0025] The standalone device can apply VL treatment as a directional light beam toward one or more of a user's eyes while minimizing violet light contact with other parts of the user (e.g., face, hands, neck, etc.). For example, VL treatment can be applied to one eye at a time (e.g., completing treatment on one eye before moving on to the other eye), VL treatment can be applied simultaneously (e.g., using two light beams), or VL treatment can be applied in parallel (e.g., switching from eye to eye until both eyes have received the full treatment dose). The standalone device can be configured for use by multiple users and can be configured to detect which user is receiving treatment at a time via facial recognition. The standalone device can maintain a profile for each user, which may include facial and identity data, age, relevant health-related data, dosage, and schedule (e.g., whether partial doses need to be applied and completed within a given time). The standalone device can also be configured to detect the identified user's eyes, allowing the standalone device to appropriately direct the light beam toward the user's eyes (e.g., pupils) for best results. The standalone device can also detect if the user is wearing violet light blocking lenses (e.g., glasses or contacts that include a coating or material that transmits violet light) and require the user to remove the lenses before VL treatment can be applied.

[0026] In its simplest form, system 100 can include a fixture 102, a movable platform 104, and one or more motors (motors 106). The fixture 102 can be disposed on the movable platform 104. As an example, the fixture 102 can be attached to the movable platform 104 by mechanical means (e.g., welding, extrusion, 3D printing, screwing, adhesives, etc.), can be part of (e.g., formed with) the movable platform, etc. The one or more motors (motors 106) can be configured to move the movable platform 104, and thereby move the fixture 102 attached thereto, through at least one degree of freedom. For example, the one or more motors (motors 106) can be configured to translate the movable platform 104 and / or rotate the movable platform. In one example, each of the one or more motors can move the movable platform 104 in at least one of a left / right movement, an up / down movement, a rotational movement, etc. In another example, at least one motor (motor 106) can move the movable platform 104 left / right and tilt the movable platform up / down. The one or more motors can be at least one of a servo motor, a linear motor, a servo motor, an AC motor, a DC motor, a direct drive motor, etc. The one or more motors (motor 106) can be located external or internal to a standalone device.

[0027] One or more components can be attached to and / or housed within the fixture 102 for purposes of generating a VL therapy directed to one or more eyes of a user. The fixture 102 can be, for example, a housing and / or a backbone-like structure. The fixture 102 can be, at least in part, made of, for example, one or more of a polymeric or metallic material. As shown in FIG. 2 , the fixture 102 can include components such as a processor 202, a memory 204, and multiple components such as, without limitation, a directional light source 206, a camera 208, and a distance sensor 210. Other components may be attached to and / or housed within the fixture 102. In some cases, the processor 202 can perform actions reflected in instructions stored in the memory 204. For example, the processor 202 can be a microprocessor capable of performing actions associated with the memory 204 and the processor 202. The fixture 102 may act as a support or housing for the memory 204, the processor 202, and one or more components. Indeed, at least one of the one or more components (e.g., the directional light source 206, the camera 208, the distance sensor 210, etc.) may be embedded within or attached to the fixture 102. However, all of the components, whether embedded within the fixture 102 or not, may be provided on the movable platform 104.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 , the directional light source 206, the camera 208, and the distance sensor 210 are in electrical communication with the processor 202 and the memory 204 to administer directional VL therapy to one or more eyes of a user. Administering directional VL therapy to one or more eyes of a user can include at least generating a VL and shining the VL into one or more of the user's eyes for a period of time. The directional light source 206 can be movable to emit the VL and direct the VL into at least one of the user's eyes. The camera 208 can detect the presence of the user and / or identify the location of at least one of the user's eyes. The distance sensor 210 can determine how far the user is from the standalone device and guide the directional light source 206 to direct the VL in a focused manner toward at least one of the user's eyes. 2, alternative and / or additional components may be utilized to administer directional VL therapy to one or more eyes of a user and / or provide any other action described herein. Each of the components may be coupled to the processor 202 (and, in some cases, the memory 204) by a wired or wireless connection to facilitate communication of data and instructions.

[0029] The directional light source 206 can emit a light signal directed to an adjustable focus. The directional light source 206 can include one or more light sources (e.g., a light bulb, an LED, an OLED, a PLED, an AMOLED, a laser, etc.). The directional light source 206 can include one or more optical components (e.g., lenses, mirrors, etc.) to focus light generated from an unfocused light source and / or to adjust the focus of an incoming light signal from either an unfocused or focused light source. The light signal can include at least one wavelength of VL to be delivered as treatment to the user. Thus, the directional light source 206 can include at least one VL source for treatment purposes. However, to assist the distance sensor 210, the directional light source 206 can also include one or more red light sources for measurement purposes. The directional light source 206 can include one or more light sources for emitting light of different wavelengths; for example, the directional light source can include at least one of a violet light source, an ultraviolet light source, a red light source, an infrared light source, etc. In one example, the directional light source 206 can include a violet light source and an infrared light source. In another example, the directional light source 206 can include filters that can determine the wavelength of the light emitted. As an example, violet and ultraviolet light can be used for treatment, and red and infrared light can be used for measurement.

[0030] The camera 208 can be electrically coupled to the processor 202 (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) to detect the presence of a user (e.g., by capturing images at a predetermined frame rate and using instructions on the processor to compare frame-to-frame changes that indicate the presence of a moving object / person that may be a user, and determining whether the moving object is a person and whether it is a user of the system based on stored information), and can provide an image of the user's face to the processor 202 (e.g., once a moving object / person is detected). In response to receiving the image of the user's face, the processor 202 can send a signal to at least one motor (motor 106 in FIG. 1 ) to adjust the orientation of the platform (movable platform 104) so that the user's eye is centered in the frame of the camera 208 and initiate an adjustment of the adjustable focus of the directional light source 206 so that the focus coincides with the position of the eye. A distance sensor 210 can be electrically coupled to the processor 202 (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) to estimate the distance between the immobilization device 102 and the user's eye so that an appropriate light energy density is administered to the eye. The light energy density may also be varied based on ambient light, the amount of VL the user has already received, etc. The distance between each of the user's eyes may also be estimated. Distance sensor 210 may include an ultrasound emitter, a red light emitter, an infrared light emitter, etc. As previously mentioned, an ultrasound emitter, a red light emitter, an infrared light emitter, etc. may be included in directional light source 206. Distance sensor 210 may estimate the distance between fixture 102 and the user's eyes based on the reflectance of a light beam, e.g., an infrared light beam, from an object (e.g., the user's eye). In some cases, the reflectance may be detected by camera 208.

[0031] An exemplary standalone device 300 is shown in FIG. 3. The exemplary standalone device 300 includes a base 302 attached to the movable platform 104. The base 302 can house a processor 306, a memory 304, and, optionally, at least one motor (motor 106), which can operate as described above with respect to FIG. 2 (processor 202 and memory 204 housed within fixture 102). The processor 306 and / or memory 304 can also be separate from the base 302 (e.g., can be combined with processor 202 and / or memory 204 housed within the fixture). In some cases, both the fixture 102 and the base 302 can include processors 202 and 306 and memories 204 and 304, which can either share or communicate exclusively with components of the fixture 102 and / or base 302. In other cases, the standalone device may include only one processor and memory, or two processors 202 and 306 and a shared memory. The base 302 may also include at least a second camera (wide-angle camera 308) and an ambient light detector (not shown in FIG. 3 ), both of which may be electrically coupled to the processor 306 (and, in some cases, the memory 304). The at least second camera may detect a user. For example, the at least second camera may detect whether a potential user (e.g., a human) appears within the frame of reference of the at least second camera. The at least second camera may be a wide-angle camera 308 with a wider field of view than a conventional camera. The ambient light detector may detect the illuminance of ambient light around the standalone device and adjust the exposure time and / or intensity (within predetermined safety thresholds) of the light signal emitted by the directional light source to ensure the user receives the appropriate amount of VL therapy. The ambient light detector may include, for example, an additional camera and / or processor / processing power. In other cases, the ambient light detector may at least partially include the wide-angle camera 308 and the processor 306 .The base 302 may also include at least one of a power source and / or charging port, a user interface, a display, a speaker, and circuitry.

[0032] The processor 306 can execute instructions stored in memory 304 (e.g., non-transitory memory) to recognize the presence of a user (e.g., by detecting a human using the wide-angle camera 308) and recognize the identity of the user (e.g., by capturing an image of the user's face using the camera 208 of the fixture 102) from a stored group of one or more users of the system (by comparing the captured image of the user's face). For example, a stored group of one or more users of the system can be stored in memory 304. The stored group of one or more users of the system can be entered, for example, by each user utilizing a user interface and following instructions to create a facial recognition profile. The processor 306 can identify the user based on an image of the user's face detected by the camera 208 of the fixture 102. After the processor 306 recognizes the presence and identity of the user, the processor can administer a directional therapeutic light treatment to at least one eye of the user via the directional light source 206 of the fixture 102. The processor 306 can determine the treatment length (and / or power) for the user based on at least one of the following: A user profile, the amount of ambient light detected by an ambient light detector, the amount of at least one type of light received by the user that day stored in non-transitory memory 304 (e.g., light from a previous treatment session, light detected by a sensor worn by the user during daily activities and in wireless communication with memory 304, etc.), etc.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram 400 of the communication relationships (wired and / or wireless) between the components of a standalone device for delivering direct VL therapy via control circuitry 410. The control circuitry 410 can include a processor and memory and can receive power from power supply circuitry 404. The power supply circuitry 404 can include a power source, such as one or more batteries, one or more rechargeable batteries, one or more panels for renewable energy sources (e.g., solar), and / or an external plug for AC and / or DC power. Once the standalone device is powered, the control circuitry 410 can send instructions / commands to and receive data from the other components of the standalone device. For example, the control circuitry 410 can send instructions to the wide-angle camera 308 to detect the presence of a user and / or person at a given speed and then receive image data to determine whether the presence of a person (e.g., a user) is detected. Once the presence of a user is detected by the control circuitry 410, the control circuitry can instruct the camera 208 to detect an image of the person / user and send the image data to the control circuitry. The control circuitry 410 can determine the identity of the user based on image data from the camera 208, based on a user image database. The control circuitry 410 can also send instructions to the motor 106 to translate (e.g., right / left, up / down, etc.) and / or rotate to adjust the direction so that the light source 402 is aimed at the user's eye. Once the light source 402 is aimed at the user's eye, the motor 106 can stop moving the light source 402, and the light source can deliver a predetermined dose of VL to the user's eye. The motor 106 can also move the light source 402 as needed during VL delivery to maintain VL treatment directed at at least one of the user's eyes, even if the user moves (e.g., fidgets, changes position, tilts their head, etc.).

[0034] The control circuitry 410 may also communicate with and control the sensor 406. The sensor 406 may include, without limitation, a distance sensor and an ambient light detector. The sensor 406 may be a separate sensor or may be embodied at least in part with the wide-angle camera 308, the camera 208, and the light source 402. For example, the distance sensor may include an infrared light source, the reflectance of which (e.g., from a portion of a person) may be detected by one of the camera 208 and / or the wide-angle camera 308, or by another photodetector in the distance sensor itself. In another example, the ambient light detector may detect the level of ambient violet light and / or detect whether the user is wearing a pair of lenses (e.g., glasses or contact lenses) that reflect violet or UV light. To detect the level of ambient violet light, the sensor 406 may include an additional photodetector and / or utilize the camera 208 and / or the wide-angle camera 308. To detect whether a user is wearing a pair of lenses that reflect violet or UV light, sensor 406 may utilize a violet light source, an additional photodetector to measure reflectance near the eye, and / or camera 208 and / or wide-angle camera 308. Control circuitry 410 may instruct sensor 406, wide-angle camera 308, camera 208, and / or light source 402 to complete at least the above operations.

[0035] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary flowchart of a process that a standalone device can execute to provide directional VL therapy to a user. Not all of the processes shown are necessary for providing all of the directional therapeutic light and may be omitted. The standalone device can start in an idle state. In the idle state, the standalone device can power on for a short period of time (e.g., 1 second, several seconds, e.g., every 10 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.), collect image captures using a field of view camera in the camera in the base of the standalone device (in some cases, a camera in a fixture may be used), and a processor can execute a person (or motion) detection algorithm to detect whether a moving object (e.g., a person who may be a user) is within the detection range of the standalone device. If the standalone device does not detect a moving object, it remains in the idle state. If the standalone device detects a moving object, it transitions to a person detection state. In the person detection state, the base camera (or, as the case may be, the fixture camera) may acquire frames at a faster rate than during the idle state, and in the process may run an algorithm to determine whether an object detected by the camera is a person and whether the person is within range of the standalone device (e.g., the device). If the moving object is not a person (e.g., an animal or inanimate object), or if a person is present in the frame before person detection can be completed, the standalone device returns to the idle state. If a person is detected and remains within range of the standalone device, the standalone device transitions to occupant detection mode, where the algorithm and still-acquiring base camera (or, as the case may be, fixture camera) frames determine whether the person has sat down. If the person is not seated and voluntarily moves out of range, the standalone device returns to person detection mode.

[0036] If a person is determined to have sat within range of the standalone device, the standalone device enters face detection mode (e.g., to recognize whether the person is the user). In face detection mode, the standalone device runs an algorithm to identify faces from the camera feed in frames recorded by the base camera (or, in some cases, a fixture camera) and uses the position information to point the head camera of the standalone device (e.g., the device) toward the user's face. The user can be identified from a group of users in a database. If the user's face cannot be detected, for example, if the person has left their seat, the standalone device returns to occupant detection mode. If a face is detected and identified, the standalone device enters eye location mode, in which the head camera (e.g., a fixture camera) (or, in some cases, a base camera) feed is processed by an algorithm to identify the user's eyes. The position of the head camera (e.g., a fixture camera) can also be adjusted until the eye (or at least one eye) is centered within the head camera's frame. The adjustment can be made by one or more motors in the standalone device controlled by the algorithm. If the position of the eyes (or eyes) cannot be determined (e.g., the face is obscured by hair, a ball cap, etc.), the standalone device returns to face detection mode. If the eyes (or eyes) can be detected and centered within the frame of the head camera (e.g., a fixture camera), the standalone device enters distance measurement mode. In distance measurement mode, the standalone device's infrared or violet light source can be pulsed while adjusting the focal length of the violet light source. The head camera (e.g., a fixture camera) (or, in some cases, a base camera) can collect captured images of the user's face during adjustment flashes until the processor can determine that the light beads are focused to the size of the pupil and are focused on one of the pupils (e.g., the left or right pupil). The head module (e.g., a fixture on a platform) can be moved by at least one motor.

[0037] Once the distance measurement mode is complete and the violet light source is focused on the user's pupil, the standalone device can transition to an ambient violet light (VL) detection mode. In the ambient violet light detection mode, the standalone device can measure the level of ambient violet light between violet light pulses (or, in some cases, when the light is not pulsing) to determine an appropriate treatment output level (e.g., intensity) based on the ambient violet light. In the ambient violet light detection mode, the standalone device can also determine whether the user is wearing UV and / or violet light reflective lenses (e.g., eyeglasses or contacts) during the violet light pulse. This can be done based on whether a violet light reflectance threshold is exceeded within the user's camera frame during the ambient violet light detection mode. If no violet light reflectance is detected, the standalone device transitions directly to the violet light (VL) treatment mode. If a violet light reflectance above the threshold is detected, the standalone device detouring to the violet light (VL) reflective lens detection state. In the violet light (VL)-reflecting lens detection state, the standalone device notifies the user that the lenses (e.g., eyeglasses or contacts) must be removed and / or replaced with non-violet light-reflecting lenses before treatment can begin. Such notification can be audio, visual, and / or tactile, and can be provided, for example, by a display or speaker associated with the standalone device. If the user fails to remove the lenses within a certain number of notifications within a certain time period, the standalone device can be deactivated. If the user removes the lenses, a violet light (VL) treatment mode begins. In the violet light (VL) treatment mode, the violet light source is brought to an appropriate power (for treatment) and maintained for the treatment duration while the light bead (e.g., focal point) is kept centered and properly focused on the user's pupil. In one example, treatment can be applied to one eye for 30 seconds, then switched to the other eye for another 30 seconds, for a total preprogrammed amount of repetitions.Once the total therapeutic dose has been delivered, the standalone device can stop treatment until the next scheduled treatment time (e.g., the next day). In one example, if treatment is interrupted, the standalone device can record the level (amount) of treatment received for that particular user in case the user returns later within the same scheduled treatment time, so that the user only receives one total therapeutic dose within the scheduled treatment time.

[0038] IV. Method Another aspect of the present disclosure can include methods 600-1000 (FIGS. 6-10) for preventing or slowing the progression of myopia using a standalone device capable of administering violet light treatment to a user. Methods 600-100 can be performed using any of the systems and devices described above with respect to FIGS. 1-5.

[0039] Methods 600-1000 are illustrated as process flow diagrams accompanied by flowchart illustrations. For simplicity, methods 600-1000 are illustrated and described as being performed sequentially. However, it should be understood and appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited by the illustrated order, as some steps may occur in different orders and / or simultaneously with other steps illustrated and described herein. Furthermore, not all illustrated aspects may be required to implement methods 600-1000.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 6, a method 600 for using a standalone device that emits violet light to a user to prevent or slow the progression of myopia is shown. In step 602, a user's presence can be received via at least one camera in communication with a processor of the system (e.g., the standalone device). The user's presence can be recognized by detecting a moving object within a frame of the at least one camera, then determining whether the moving object is a human, and detecting whether the human is within range of the camera and / or directional light source of the standalone device. In step 604, the user can be identified from a stored group of one or more users of the system. The system can access a database containing information about faces in a stored group of one or more users of the system (e.g., previously stored by the user during a setup process). The system can then perform facial recognition of the detected user's (e.g., the detected human) face by any given means by comparing it with information about faces in a stored group of one or more users of the system. A human can be identified as a particular user of the system if their face matches information about one of the faces in the stored group of one or more users of the system. In step 606, a directional therapeutic light treatment can be administered to at least one eye of the user via the system's directional light sources. At least one of the directional light sources and the at least one camera can be moved by at least one motor in communication with the processor to complete the above steps. The directional light source can move to track the movement of the at least one eye as the user moves. In some cases, the intensity and / or duration of the directional VL treatment can be varied based on which user is identified (e.g., based on a particular treatment protocol, sensor information, previous treatment during a given time, etc.).

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 7, a method 700 for detecting a user is shown. In step 702, a moving object can be detected by a processor in communication with at least one camera. The at least one camera can record at a given speed, and the processor can detect movement based on changes in images recorded within a given time frame. In step 704, the moving object can be determined to be a human. For example, the system can determine that the moving object is a human based on pattern recognition or another predetermined method utilizing at least one camera and a processor. If the system determines that the moving object is not a human (e.g., an animal or inanimate object passing by at least one camera), the system can stop or return to scanning for a moving mode, optionally with a time delay for the non-human moving object to be removed from the at least one camera's frame. If the system determines that the moving object is a human, the system can detect, via at least one camera, whether the human's face is within the range of a directional light source used to administer VL therapy. For example, the system can detect that a human has sat in front of a standalone device by detecting the height of the human's face. In step 708, the standalone device system can administer VL treatment to at least one eye of the human.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 8, a method 800 for delivering a VL to at least one eye of a user is illustrated. In step 802, the position of at least one eye of the user can be determined by a processor via at least one camera. In one example, both eyes of the user can be located simultaneously or at different times. In step 804, the at least one camera can be oriented to focus on at least one eye of the user via at least one motor in communication with the processor. In one example, the at least one camera can be two cameras, each oriented to focus on one eye of the user. In another example, the at least one camera can be a single camera, sequentially oriented to focus on each of the users for a given period of time. In step 806, a focus for a directional light source can be adjusted to the pupil of at least one eye of the user. In some cases, the focus can be adjusted to the pupils of both eyes of the user simultaneously (e.g., when a second directional light source is present). In another example, the focus can be adjusted to the first eye of the user, then the second eye, each sequentially for a given period of time.

[0043] Providing a directional therapeutic VL treatment to at least one eye of a user via a directional light source of a standalone device system can further include the following steps: A distance between the directional light source and the user's at least one eye can be measured at a given time; The intensity of the directional therapeutic light treatment can be adjusted based on the measured distance to the pupil of the at least one eye; The directional light source and the at least one camera can be adjusted via at least one motor to maintain a focus for the directional light source on the pupil of the user's at least one eye, even when the user moves. For example, even if the user shifts their center of gravity, fidgets, tilts their head, etc., the system can adjust the focal length of the directional light source based on the measured distance so that a pupil-sized light bead is centered on the pupil of the user's at least one eye. In this way, the violet light is focused on the eye and does not illuminate the rest of the user (because excessive exposure to violet light can be harmful to parts of the human body). These steps can be used for both eyes sequentially (one after the other for a given time period) or simultaneously (if the standalone device includes at least two directional light sources). When applying directional therapeutic light treatments sequentially, the system can apply directional therapeutic light treatment to a first eye of the user for a first time period, and then apply directional therapeutic light treatment to a second eye of the user for a second time period after the first time period. Application to each eye can be repeated a preprogrammed number of times until the full dose has been applied to both eyes and / or until the user is no longer detected by the standalone device (e.g., walks away or moves out of frame).

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 9, a method 900 for adjusting the amount of VL treatment administered to a user is shown. In step 902, the level of ambient violet light near a standalone device system can be measured via an ambient light sensor in communication with the system's processor. The ambient light sensor can be integrated with the standalone device or can be located at a second location near the standalone device and in wireless or wired communication with the standalone device. In step 904, the intensity of the VL treatment to be administered to the user can be determined taking into account the ambient violet light already being received by the user (e.g., based on the level of ambient violet light). In step 906, the brightness of the directional light source can be adjusted to set the intensity of the VL treatment taking into account the ambient violet light. For example, if the ambient light source detects a sufficiently high amount of violet light in the ambient light, the directional therapeutic light treatment can be reduced in intensity and / or applied for a shorter period of time.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 10 , a method 1000 for detecting a user's eyewear designed to block light is shown. In step 1002, the system can detect whether the user is wearing eyewear (e.g., glasses, contact lenses, monoculars, eye patch, etc.) that includes components configured to block light in at least one given wavelength range (e.g., a wavelength range that may include violet light). In step 1006, if the user is wearing eyewear, the system can notify the user via a display and / or speaker associated with the system (e.g., via an audio, visual, and / or tactile alert or message) to remove the eyewear that includes components configured to block light in at least one given wavelength range. In step 1008, if the system determines that eyewear that includes components configured to block light in at least one given wavelength range is not detected, a directional therapeutic light treatment can be administered to the user.

[0046] From the above description, those skilled in the art will recognize improvements, changes, and modifications. Such improvements, changes, and modifications are within the skill of those skilled in the art and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. a fixture attached to the platform; at least one motor configured to move the platform; a directional light source coupled to the processor and configured to emit a light signal directed to an adjustable focus; a camera coupled to the processor and configured to detect the presence of a user and provide an image of the user's face to the processor, the processor sending a signal to the at least one motor to adjust the orientation of the platform so that an eye is centered in the frame of the camera and to initiate adjustment of the adjustable focus of the directional light source; a distance sensor coupled to the processor and configured to estimate a distance between the fixation device and the eye to ensure an appropriate light energy density is administered to the eye; At least one of the camera, the directional light source, and the distance sensor are embedded in the fixture.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the directional light source comprises at least one of a violet light source and an infrared light source.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the distance sensor comprises an ultrasonic emitter, an optical emitter, or an infrared emitter.

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

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

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

7. The base further includes a non-transitory memory for storing instructions coupled to the processor, the processor executing the instructions to: recognizing the presence and identity of one or more users of the system from a stored group of the users; and administering a directed therapeutic light treatment to at least one eye of the user.

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

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

10. The system of claim 6 , wherein at least the second camera is a wide-angle camera.

11. The system of claim 8 , wherein the base further includes at least one of a power source and / or charging port, a user interface, a display, a speaker, and circuitry.

12. Recognizing, by a system including a processor, the presence of a user via at least one camera in communication with the processor; identifying, by the system, the user from a stored group of one or more users of the system; administering, by the system, a directional therapeutic light treatment to at least one eye of the user via directional light sources of the system, wherein at least one of the directional light sources and the at least one camera are movable by at least one motor in communication with the processor.

13. The recognizing the presence of the user via the at least one camera in communication with the processor further comprises: detecting a moving object via the at least one camera; determining by the system that the moving object is a human; and detecting, via the at least one camera, that the human face is within the directional light source.

14. The identifying the user from the group of one or more users of the system further comprises: accessing, by said system, a database containing information about said stored group of faces of one or more users of said system; performing, by the system, facial recognition of the face of the person by comparing the face with the information about the stored group of faces of one or more users of the system; and identifying, by the system, the human being as the user of the system if the face of the human being matches information about one of the faces of the stored group of one or more users of the system.

15. determining, by the processor via the at least one camera, a position of the at least one eye of the user; orienting the at least one camera via the at least one motor in communication with the processor to focus on the at least one eye of the user; The method of claim 12 , further comprising: the system focusing the directional light source onto the pupil of the at least one eye of the user.

16. Providing the directional therapeutic light treatment to the at least one eye of the user via the directional light source of the system further comprises: measuring, with the system, a distance between the directional light source and the at least one eye of the user at a given time; adjusting an orientation of the directional light source and the at least one camera via the at least one motor to maintain the focal point of the directional light source on the pupil of the at least one eye of the user even when the user moves; and adjusting, by the system, a focal length of the directional light source based on the measured distance so that a pupil-sized light bead is centered within the pupil of the at least one eye of the user.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising adjusting an intensity of the directed therapeutic light treatment based on the measured distance to the pupil of the at least one eye.

18. measuring a level of ambient violet light near the system via an ambient light sensor in communication with the processor; determining, by the system, an intensity of the directed therapeutic light treatment to take into account the level of the ambient violet light; 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising adjusting, by the system, the intensity of the directional therapeutic light treatment by adjusting a brightness of the directional light source.

19. detecting, with the system, whether the user is wearing eyewear that includes a component configured to block light in at least one given wavelength range; If the user is wearing the eyewear, notifying the user via a display and / or speaker associated with the system to remove the eyewear including the component configured to block the light in the at least one given wavelength range; 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: if eyewear including the component configured to block the light in the at least one given wavelength range is not detected, administering, by the system, the directed therapeutic light treatment to the at least one eye of the user.

20. administering the directional therapeutic light treatment to the at least one eye of the user via the directional light source of the system further comprises: applying, with the system, the directed therapeutic light treatment to a first eye of the user for a first time period; 13. The method of claim 12, comprising applying, by the system, the directed therapeutic light treatment to a second eye of the user for a second time period after the first time period, the application being repeated a preprogrammed number of times.

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