Light therapy device

Abstract

Even if the temperature of the light source changes during irradiation and the light output value fluctuates, the set irradiation amount can be precisely delivered. [Solution] The phototherapy device 1 includes an LED 21 that outputs therapeutic light, a setting input unit 11 for inputting a set irradiation amount of therapeutic light, a temperature measurement unit 23 for measuring the temperature of the LED 21, a temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 that acquires the temperature of the LED 21 and calculates a temperature-corrected light output value corresponding to the measured temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 23, a cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16 that calculates the cumulative irradiation amount by accumulating and adding the product of the temperature-corrected light output value and a predetermined time, a remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 that calculates the remaining irradiation amount and calculates the remaining irradiation time, and an irradiation end timer 18 that stops the output of therapeutic light. The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16, and the remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 repeat the calculation process at predetermined time intervals in response to a timing signal from a reference timer 14.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a phototherapy device. [Background technology]

[0002] Phototherapy devices that use near-infrared light or other types of light to treat pain and other conditions are known. Conventional phototherapy devices include various types that improve safety for the eyes by repeatedly changing the amount of visible light before or during irradiation, and those that attempt to enhance the therapeutic effect by irradiating light of multiple different wavelengths from multiple light sources.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a light output control system that takes into account individual differences in each light source device, while using less data than conventional feedforward control methods. Patent Document 2 discloses a phototherapy device that can perform phototherapy at an appropriate temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-034762 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-130325 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In particular, when using LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as the light source in phototherapy devices, it is important to note that LEDs have the characteristic of decreasing light output as the ambient temperature rises. For example, if the light output value of an LED is taken as 100% at room temperature of 25°C, it will decrease to about 90% at 60°C. Therefore, even if the irradiation time is set according to the theoretical value to achieve the predetermined irradiation dose, the actual irradiation dose will be less than the predetermined dose when the ambient temperature is high.

[0006] Specifically, when determining the irradiation dose to be 1000 mJ / cm 2 and the light output value of the LED is 100 mW / cm at room temperature of 25°C 2 then the irradiation time is 1000 / 10 = 10.0 seconds. However, even if the irradiation time is set to 10.0 seconds as theorized, when the ambient temperature of the LED is 60°C, the light output value decreases by 90%, so with an irradiation time of 10.0 seconds, the actual irradiation dose may be 900 mJ / cm 2 and may become 90% of the initially set irradiation dose.

[0007] The light output control system of Patent Document 1 determines the current amount necessary to obtain the light output corresponding to the target value under the current ambient temperature in order to cope with fluctuations in the light emission amount according to temperature, but does not consider the influence of temperature rise during irradiation. In the light therapy device of Patent Document 2, there is no mention of the case where the light source is an LED.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] The present invention provides a light therapy device capable of precisely irradiating a set irradiation dose.

[0009] The present invention is a light source that outputs treatment light, a setting input unit for inputting the set irradiation dose of the treatment light, a temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature of the light source, a reference timer that outputs a timing signal at predetermined intervals from the start of irradiation of the treatment light, a temperature correction light output value calculation unit that, in response to the timing signal, acquires the temperature of the light source and calculates a temperature correction light output value, which is the light output value corresponding to the measured temperature of the light source measured by the temperature measurement unit, according to the correspondence relationship between the temperature of the light source and the light output value of the light source at that temperature, a cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit that, in response to the timing signal, calculates the cumulative irradiation dose of the treatment light from the start of irradiation by cumulatively adding the product of the temperature correction light output value and the predetermined time, A remaining irradiation time calculation unit that calculates a remaining irradiation amount, which is the difference between the set irradiation amount and the cumulative irradiation amount, in accordance with the timing signal, and calculates a remaining irradiation time by dividing the remaining irradiation amount by the temperature-corrected light beam output value; an output stop unit that stops the output of the treatment light; and the temperature-corrected light beam output value calculation unit, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit, and the remaining irradiation time calculation unit repeat a series of calculation processes at the predetermined time interval. The output stop unit stops the output of the treatment light when the remaining irradiation time becomes shorter than the predetermined time. It is a light beam therapy device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the measurement temperature of the light source is acquired every predetermined time, and the cumulative irradiation amount is calculated and the remaining irradiation time is calculated using the temperature-corrected light beam output value corresponding to the latest measurement temperature, so that the irradiation stop time can be accurately calculated. Therefore, even when the temperature of the light source changes and the light beam output value fluctuates during irradiation, temperature correction can be performed in real time, so that the set irradiation amount can be accurately irradiated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a light beam therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the correspondence between the temperature of an LED and the light beam output value of the LED in one product of the light beam therapy device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a light therapy procedure executed by the light beam therapy device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the correspondence between the temperature of an LED and the light beam output value of the LED in three products of the light beam therapy device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a time chart showing a specific control example 1 of light therapy executed by the light beam therapy device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a time chart showing Example 2 of the specific control of phototherapy performed by the phototherapy device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The following describes in detail a specific embodiment of the phototherapy device according to the present invention, with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a phototherapy device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The phototherapy device 1 comprises a treatment device body 10 that enables various operations, and an irradiation probe 20 that is configured to be graspable by an operator (user) and electrically connected to the treatment device body 10 by a cable. The phototherapy device 1 is a device that performs so-called phototherapy, which alleviates various types of pain, such as inflammatory analgesia, and other treatments by irradiating a predetermined area of ​​the human body with therapeutic light. The therapeutic light is light used for treatment and includes ultraviolet and infrared rays. Examples of users include medical professionals such as doctors and nurses.

[0014] In phototherapy, the amount of light delivered is crucial. That is, the amount of energy delivered to the affected area is critical. The dose must be strictly controlled according to the mechanism of action defined for each treatment (disease) and the patient's condition. For example, excessive doses pose a risk of side effects. Conversely, insufficient doses may result in no therapeutic effect.

[0015] The phototherapy device 1 according to this embodiment aims to provide appropriate therapeutic effects to the patient by strictly controlling the irradiation dose, thereby irradiating in accordance with the initially set irradiation dose.

[0016] The treatment device body 10 has a housing made of, for example, resin, a storage compartment for storing the irradiation probe 20 when not in use, and an operation panel including various switches, buttons, knobs, etc. for various operation inputs. The irradiation probe 20 is a device that the operator holds and applies to a predetermined area, such as the affected area of ​​the patient, to irradiate it with light (therapeutic light).

[0017] The treatment device body 10 includes a setting input unit 11, a display unit 12, an LED control unit 13, a reference timer 14, a temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15, a cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16, a remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17, an irradiation end timer 18 (output stop unit), and a storage unit 19.

[0018] The setting input unit 11 is a user-operable part for inputting the set irradiation amount of therapeutic light output by the LED 21, which will be described later. The setting input unit 11 may include various interfaces such as buttons, switches, knobs, and touch panels. For example, the setting input unit 11 includes a power button and an operation knob. The display unit 12 is a display device capable of displaying various information and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel. For example, the display unit 12 displays the set irradiation amount of therapeutic light input by the setting input unit 11, the irradiation time calculated based on the set irradiation amount, etc.

[0019] The LED control unit 13 is a control device that receives operation input from the setting input unit 11 and controls the light output of the LED 21. The LED control unit 13 also receives a stop signal to the LED 21 from the irradiation end timer 18 (described later) and a start signal to the LED 21 from the irradiation start button 22 of the irradiation probe 20 (described later).

[0020] The reference timer 14 outputs a timing signal that serves as a reference for operation at predetermined intervals (e.g., 0.5 seconds) from the start of irradiation of therapeutic light by the LED 21.

[0021] The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 obtains the temperature of the LED 21 from the temperature measurement unit 23 (described later) in accordance with the timing signal output by the reference timer 14. Then, the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 calculates a temperature-corrected light output value, which is the light output value corresponding to the measured temperature of the LED 21 measured by the temperature measurement unit 23, according to the correspondence between the temperature of the LED 21 and the light output value of the LED 21 at that temperature. The correspondence between the temperature of the LED 21 and the light output value of the LED 21 will be described later (Figure 2).

[0022] The cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16 calculates the cumulative irradiation dose from the start of irradiation by the LED 21 by accumulating and adding the product of the temperature-corrected light output value calculated by the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 and a predetermined time interval which is the interval between timing signals, in accordance with the timing signal output by the reference timer 14.

[0023] The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation amount, which is the difference between the set irradiation amount input from the setting input unit 11 and the cumulative irradiation amount calculated by the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16, in accordance with the timing signal output by the reference timer 14. Furthermore, the remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation time by dividing the remaining irradiation amount by the temperature-corrected light output value calculated by the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15.

[0024] The irradiation end timer 18 functions as an output stop unit that stops the output from the LED 21 when the remaining irradiation time calculated by the remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 becomes shorter than a predetermined time.

[0025] The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15, the cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16, and the remaining irradiation time calculation unit repeat a series of calculation processes at predetermined time intervals, and the irradiation end timer 18 stops the output from the LED 21 when the remaining irradiation time becomes shorter than the predetermined time. Details of the process will be described later (Figure 3).

[0026] The memory unit 19 is a storage device such as a memory that stores, in association with a reference light output value, which is a measured value of the light output value of the LED 21, and a reference temperature, which is the light source temperature at the time the reference light output value was measured. The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 can calculate the temperature-corrected light output value by taking the reference light output value into account.

[0027] The irradiation probe 20 comprises an LED 21, an irradiation start button 22, and a temperature measuring unit 23. As described above, the LED 21 is a light source capable of outputting therapeutic light. In this example, the LED 21 is a light source capable of outputting ultraviolet light for therapeutic purposes. The irradiation start button 22 is a button that the user can operate to start treatment. Pressing the button outputs a start signal, which the LED control unit 13 receives and controls the LED 21 to output ultraviolet light.

[0028] The temperature measurement unit 23 is a sensor that measures the temperature of the LED 21 and outputs it to the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15. The temperature measurement unit 23 measures the temperature of the LED 21 by, for example, detecting the temperature of the substrate on which the LED 21 is mounted.

[0029] Furthermore, some of the functions of the treatment device body 10 described above may be provided in the irradiation probe 20, or some of the functions of the irradiation probe 20 may be provided in the treatment device body 10. However, in the phototherapy device 1 configured such that the irradiation probe 20 has an LED 21 and a temperature measuring unit 23, and the treatment device body 10 has the other functions, the irradiation probe 20 can be made lighter, and the user's operability can be improved.

[0030] Figure 2 shows the temperature (°C) and light output value (mW / cm²) of LED 21 in product A of the phototherapy device 1 according to an embodiment. 2 This graph shows the correspondence with ). The light output value of an LED is generally uniquely determined by the LED current flowing through the LED and the LED temperature. Since the LED current is predetermined by the current output by the product (in this embodiment, the current controlled by the LED control unit 13), the light output value of the LED with respect to the LED temperature is uniquely determined for a particular product.

[0031] In addition, the temperature change characteristic of the light output value with respect to the temperature change of the LED, that is, the slope in the graph of FIG. 2, shows almost no variation among specific LED products. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, for a specific product A, in advance, the light output value of the LED is measured at a predetermined reference temperature, and the measured value is determined as the reference light output value, and the reference light output value is associated with the reference temperature, which is the light source temperature when the reference light output value is measured.

[0032] Point P A is a reference point indicating the reference temperature and the reference light output value corresponding to this reference temperature. In this example, the reference temperature is 20°C and the reference light output value is 100 mW / cm 2 . From the reference point and the slope (temperature change characteristic), a function of temperature and light output value as shown in FIG. 2 can be derived. The temperature correction light output value calculation unit 15 can derive the light output value of the LED at the temperature of a specific LED by this function.

[0033] For example, the above function of product A indicates that when the temperature rises by 1 degree, the light output value of the LED decreases by 0.3%. Therefore, when product A is used and the temperature rises from point P A to point Q A , that is, from 20°C to 30°C, it can be derived that the light output value decreases from the reference light output value of 100 mW / cm A at point P 2 to 97 mW / cm A at point Q< / / 2 . Such a relationship can be stored in the storage unit 19, for example, when the product is shipped.

[0034] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for phototherapy performed by the phototherapy device 1 according to the embodiment. The user operates the setting input unit 11 to input the set amount of ultraviolet light to be output by the LED 21 (step S1). The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 reads the correspondence between the temperature of the LED 21 and the light output value, including the reference temperature and reference light output value stored in the memory unit 19 (Figure 2) (step S2). Subsequently, when the user operates the irradiation start button 22, a start signal is output, the LED control unit 13 receives the start signal, and the LED 21 starts outputting ultraviolet light (step S3).

[0035] When the reference timer 14 detects that the LED 21 has started emitting ultraviolet light due to the operation of the irradiation start button 22, it starts outputting a timing signal that is emitted at predetermined intervals (e.g., 0.5 seconds) (step S4). The temperature measuring unit 23 measures the temperature of the substrate of the LED 21 as, for example, the temperature of the LED 21 (step S5).

[0036] The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 calculates a temperature-corrected light output value corresponding to the measured temperature based on the correspondence between the temperature of the LED 21 and the light output value in Figure 2, which is read from the storage unit 19 (step S6). That is, the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 acquires the temperature of the LED 21 measured by the temperature measurement unit 23 in accordance with the timing signal output by the reference timer 14. Then, the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 calculates a temperature-corrected light output value, which is the light output value corresponding to the measured temperature, which is the temperature of the LED 21 measured by the temperature measurement unit 23, according to the correspondence in Figure 2.

[0037] The cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16 acquires the temperature-corrected light output value calculated by the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 in accordance with the timing signal output by the reference timer 14. Furthermore, the cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16 calculates the irradiation dose per unit time (predetermined time) from the product of the acquired temperature-corrected light output value and a predetermined time which is the interval between timing signals (step S7).

[0038] Then, the cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16 calculates the cumulative irradiation dose from the start of ultraviolet irradiation by the LED 21 by accumulating and adding up the calculated irradiation doses per unit time (step S8).

[0039] The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation amount (= set irradiation amount - cumulative irradiation amount) by subtracting the cumulative irradiation amount calculated by the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16 from the set irradiation amount initially input from the set irradiation amount input from the set irradiation amount input from the set irradiation amount input from the set irradiation amount input from the set irradiation amount input from the set irradiation amount input from the set irradiation amount input from the set irradiation amount input from the set irradiation amount input from the set irradiation amount input from the set irradiation amount input from the set irradiation amount input unit 11 (step S9). The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation time by dividing the remaining irradiation amount by the temperature correction light output value calculated by the temperature correction light output value calculation unit 15, in this case the temperature correction light output value most recently calculated (step S10 in Figure 3).

[0040] Furthermore, the remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 determines whether the calculated remaining irradiation time is shorter than a predetermined time interval, which is the interval between timing signals output by the reference timer 14 (step S11). If the remaining irradiation time is the same as or longer than the predetermined time (step S11; No), it waits for the reference timer 14 to complete and waits for the output of the next timing signal by the reference timer 14 (step S12). Then, the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16, and the remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 repeat the series of calculation processes from step S4 to step S11 at predetermined time intervals.

[0041] By repeating a series of calculation processes, when the remaining irradiation time becomes shorter than a predetermined time (step S11; Yes), the irradiation end timer 18 is activated (step S13). The timer value of the irradiation end timer 18 is set to the remaining irradiation time calculated by the remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17. The irradiation end timer 18 waits for the set time to elapse (step S14), and when the timer is completed (when the remaining irradiation time becomes 0), it stops the output of ultraviolet light from the LED 21 (step S15). In other words, if the remaining irradiation time in step S11 is shorter than a predetermined time (the setting value of the reference timer 14), the LED 21 irradiates for the remaining irradiation time and then stops the irradiation to prevent excessive ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the measured temperature of the LED 21 is acquired at predetermined intervals, and the cumulative irradiation dose is calculated using the temperature-corrected light output value corresponding to the latest measured temperature. By calculating the remaining irradiation time, the irradiation stop time can be precisely determined. Therefore, even if the temperature of the LED 21 changes and the light output value fluctuates during irradiation, temperature correction can be performed in real time, allowing for precise irradiation of the set dose.

[0043] In phototherapy, the amount of light energy delivered to the skin is crucial. The "irradiation dose" during treatment must be strictly controlled according to the mechanism of action defined for each treatment subject (disease) in the clinical trial, as well as the patient's condition. Excessive irradiation can lead to side effects. Conversely, insufficient irradiation may result in reduced or no therapeutic effect.

[0044] In such phototherapy, using the phototherapy device 1 according to this embodiment allows for precise irradiation of the set dose, making it effective in phototherapy.

[0045] Figure 4 shows the temperature (°C) and light output value (mW / cm²) of the LED 21 in three products A, B, and C of the phototherapy device 1 according to the embodiment. 2This graph shows the correspondence between the LED temperature and the LED light output value shown in Figure 2. When product A is shipped, the memory unit 19 stores in the function that associates the LED temperature and the LED light output value shown in Figure 2. On the other hand, products B and C use LEDs that have the same specifications and product characteristics as product A, that is, LEDs that have the same slope of the graph (temperature change characteristics), but because the products themselves are different (specifically because the LED current is different), the LED light output value will be different even at the same temperature.

[0046] Therefore, for products B and C, as with product A, a reference point P is established in advance, which associates the reference light output value (a measured value of the light output value of the light source) with the reference temperature (the light source temperature at the time the reference light output value was measured). B , P C The memory unit 19 acquires the LED temperature and a function that associates the LED light output value. When each product is shipped, the memory unit 19 stores this function, allowing the temperature-compensated light output value calculation unit 15 to calculate the temperature-compensated light output value appropriate for each product. In this example, the reference point P of product B is... B The reference temperature is 27°C and the reference light output value is 102 mW / cm². 2 And, product C's P C The reference temperature is 23°C and the reference light output value is 96 mW / cm². 2 That is the case.

[0047] This allows the correspondence between the reference light output value and the reference temperature to be stored for each individual product, and the temperature-corrected light output value is calculated taking the reference light output value into account. Therefore, even if there is individual variation in the light output value of LED21, the irradiation amount can be precisely controlled.

[0048] Figure 5 is a time chart showing Example 1 of the specific control of phototherapy performed by the phototherapy device according to the embodiment. The user operates the setting input unit 11 to set the amount of ultraviolet radiation output by the LED 21 to 1000 mJ / cm² in this example. 2 Set to (Step S1 in Figure 3). The temperature-compensated light output value calculation unit 15 calculates the reference temperature of 27°C and the reference light output value of 97.0 mW / cm² stored in the memory unit 19. 2The correspondence between the temperature of LED21 and the light output value is read out (step S2 in Figure 3). Note that the product used in this example is different from products A, B, and C mentioned above, so the correspondence between the temperature of LED21 and the light output value is different from that shown in Figure 4. However, the correspondence can be determined, for example, by using the slope of the graph shown in Figure 4 and the previously measured reference temperature and reference light output value. Subsequently, when the user operates the irradiation start button 22, a start signal is output, the LED control unit 13 receives the start signal, and LED21 starts outputting ultraviolet light (step S3 in Figure 3).

[0049] When the reference timer 14 detects that the LED 21 has started emitting ultraviolet light due to the operation of the irradiation start button 22, it starts outputting a timing signal that is emitted at predetermined intervals, in this example every 0.5 seconds (step S4 in Figure 3). The temperature measurement unit 23 measures the temperature of the LED 21 substrate, which in this example is 24°C, as the temperature of the LED 21 (step S5 in Figure 3).

[0050] The temperature-compensated light output value calculation unit 15 calculates a temperature-compensated light output value corresponding to the measured temperature based on the correspondence between the temperature of the LED 21 and the light output value, as shown in Figure 2, which is read from the storage unit 19 (step S6 in Figure 3). That is, the temperature-compensated light output value calculation unit 15 acquires the temperature of the LED 21 measured by the temperature measurement unit 23 in accordance with the timing signal output every 0.5 seconds by the reference timer 14. Then, according to the correspondence shown in Figure 2, the temperature-compensated light output value calculation unit 15 calculates a temperature-compensated light output value, which is the light output value corresponding to the measured temperature, which is the temperature of the LED 21 measured by the temperature measurement unit 23. In this example, it is 97.9 mW / cm². 2 Calculate.

[0051] The cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16 acquires the temperature-corrected light output value calculated by the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 in accordance with the timing signal output by the reference timer 14. Furthermore, the cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16 calculates the irradiation dose per unit time, in this example, 97.9 mW / cm², from the product of the acquired temperature-corrected light output value and a predetermined time interval which is the interval of the timing signal. 2 ×0.5 seconds=49.0mJ / cm2 Calculate (Step S7 in Figure 3).

[0052] The cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16 then calculates the cumulative irradiation dose from the start of ultraviolet irradiation by LED 21 by accumulating and adding up the calculated irradiation doses per unit time (step S8 in Figure 3). In this example, assuming that the cumulative irradiation dose is calculated at 2.0 seconds from the start of irradiation by LED 21, the cumulative irradiation dose is the cumulative value of the irradiation doses per unit time from 0 seconds to 2.0 seconds, which is 49.0 + 48.8 + 48.5 + 48.2 = 194.5 mJ / cm². 2 That is the case.

[0053] The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation dose (= set irradiation dose - cumulative irradiation dose) by subtracting the cumulative irradiation dose calculated by the cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16 from the set irradiation dose initially input from the set irradiation dose input unit 11, in accordance with the timing signal output by the reference timer 14 (step S9 in Figure 3). In this example, 1000 mJ / cm² 2 -194.5 mJ / cm 2 = 805.5 mJ / cm 2 The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation amount as the temperature-corrected light output value calculated by the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15, which in this case is the most recent temperature-corrected light output value at the time of calculation, which is 96.4 mW / cm². 2 The remaining irradiation time is calculated by dividing by (step S10 in Figure 3). In this example, 805.5 / 96.4 = 8.36 seconds.

[0054] Furthermore, the remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 determines whether the calculated remaining irradiation time is shorter than a predetermined time interval, which is the interval between timing signals output by the reference timer 14 (step S11 in Figure 3). In this example, the remaining irradiation time of 8.36 seconds is longer than the predetermined time of 0.5 seconds (step S11 in Figure 3; No), so it waits for the next timing signal output by the reference timer 14 (step S12 in Figure 3). The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16, and the remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 repeat the series of calculation processes from step S4 to step S11 at predetermined time intervals of 0.5 seconds.

[0055] By repeating the series of calculation processes, the remaining irradiation time decreases and becomes shorter than the predetermined time (Step S11 in Figure 3; Yes). In this example, by repeating the series of calculation processes, the remaining irradiation time becomes 0.35 seconds, which is shorter than the predetermined time of 0.5 seconds. The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 starts the irradiation end timer 18 at the same time as the output of the timing signal output by the reference timer 14 10.5 seconds after the start of irradiation (Step S13 in Figure 3). The irradiation end timer 18 counts the remaining irradiation time, which in this example is 0.35 seconds, and waits for the timer to complete (Step S14 in Figure 3), and stops the output of ultraviolet light from the LED 21 (Step S15 in Figure 3). Therefore, the total irradiation time is 10.5 + 0.35 = 10.85 seconds, and the total irradiation dose is 969.7 + 30.3 = 1000 mJ / cm². 2 This is the result.

[0056] Figure 6 is a time chart showing Example 2 of the specific control of phototherapy performed by the phototherapy device according to the embodiment. The user operates the setting input unit 11 to set the amount of ultraviolet radiation output by the LED 21 to 1000 mJ / cm² in this example. 2 Set to (Step S1 in Figure 3). The temperature-compensated light output value calculation unit 15 calculates the reference temperature of 23°C and the reference light output value of 112.6 mW / cm² stored in the memory unit 19. 2 The correspondence between the temperature of LED21 and the light output value is read out (step S2 in Figure 3). Note that the product used in this example is different from products A, B, and C mentioned above, so the correspondence between the temperature of LED21 and the light output value is different from that shown in Figure 4. However, the correspondence can be determined, for example, by using the slope of the graph shown in Figure 4 and the previously measured reference temperature and reference light output value. Subsequently, when the user operates the irradiation start button 22, a start signal is output, the LED control unit 13 receives the start signal, and LED21 starts outputting ultraviolet light (step S3 in Figure 3).

[0057] When the reference timer 14 detects that the LED 21 has started emitting ultraviolet light due to the operation of the irradiation start button 22, it starts outputting a timing signal that is emitted at predetermined intervals, in this example every 0.5 seconds (step S4 in Figure 3). The temperature measurement unit 23 measures the temperature of the LED 21 substrate, which in this example is 30°C, as the temperature of the LED 21 (step S5 in Figure 3).

[0058] The temperature-compensated light output value calculation unit 15 calculates a temperature-compensated light output value corresponding to the measured temperature based on the correspondence between the temperature of the LED 21 and the light output value, as shown in Figure 2, which is read from the storage unit 19 (step S6 in Figure 3). That is, the temperature-compensated light output value calculation unit 15 acquires the temperature of the LED 21 measured by the temperature measurement unit 23 in accordance with the timing signal output every 0.5 seconds by the reference timer 14. Then, according to the correspondence shown in Figure 2, the temperature-compensated light output value calculation unit 15 calculates a temperature-compensated light output value, which is the light output value corresponding to the measured temperature, which is the temperature of the LED 21 measured by the temperature measurement unit 23, in this example being 110.5 mW / cm². 2 Calculate.

[0059] The cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16 acquires the temperature-corrected light output value calculated by the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 in accordance with the timing signal output by the reference timer 14. Furthermore, the cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16 calculates the irradiation dose per unit time, in this example, 110.5 mW / cm², from the product of the acquired temperature-corrected light output value and a predetermined time interval which is the interval of the timing signal. 2 ×0.5 seconds=55.3mJ / cm 2 Calculate (Step S7 in Figure 3).

[0060] The cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16 then calculates the cumulative irradiation dose from the start of ultraviolet irradiation by LED 21 by accumulating and adding up the calculated irradiation doses per unit time (step S8 in Figure 3). In this example, assuming that the cumulative irradiation dose is calculated at 2.0 seconds from the start of irradiation by LED 21, the cumulative irradiation dose is the cumulative value of the irradiation doses per unit time from 0 seconds to 2.0 seconds, which is 55.3 + 55.1 + 54.8 + 54.5 = 219.7 mJ / cm². 2 That is the case.

[0061] The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation dose (= set irradiation dose - cumulative irradiation dose) by subtracting the cumulative irradiation dose calculated by the cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit 16 from the set irradiation dose initially input from the set irradiation dose input unit 11, in accordance with the timing signal output by the reference timer 14 (step S9 in Figure 3). In this example, 1000 mJ / cm² 2 -219.7 mJ / cm 2 = 780.3 mJ / cm 2 The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation amount as the temperature-corrected light output value calculated by the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15, which in this case is the most recent temperature-corrected light output value at the time of calculation, which is 96.4 mW / cm². 2 The remaining irradiation time is calculated by dividing by (step S10 in Figure 3). In this example, 780.3 / 109.0 = 7.16 seconds.

[0062] Furthermore, the remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 determines whether the calculated remaining irradiation time is shorter than a predetermined time interval, which is the interval between timing signals output by the reference timer 14 (step S11 in Figure 3). In this example, the remaining irradiation time of 7.16 seconds is longer than the predetermined time of 0.5 seconds (step S11 in Figure 3; No), so it waits for the next timing signal output by the reference timer 14 (step S12 in Figure 3). The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16, and the remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 repeat the series of calculation processes from step S4 to step S11 at predetermined time intervals of 0.5 seconds.

[0063] By repeating the series of calculation processes, the remaining irradiation time decreases and becomes shorter than the predetermined time (Step S11 in Figure 3; Yes). In this example, by repeating the series of calculation processes, the remaining irradiation time becomes 0.02 seconds, which is shorter than the predetermined time of 0.5 seconds. The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 starts the irradiation end timer 18 at the same time as the output of the timing signal output 9.5 seconds after the start of irradiation by the reference timer 14 (Step S13 in Figure 3). The irradiation end timer 18 counts the remaining irradiation time, which in this example is 0.02 seconds, and waits for the timer to complete (Step S14 in Figure 3), and stops the output of ultraviolet light from the LED 21 (Step S15 in Figure 3). Therefore, the total irradiation time is 9.5 + 0.02 = 9.52 seconds, and the total irradiation dose is 997.6 + 2.4 = 1000 mJ / cm². 2 This is the result.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc., as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, placement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited, as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0065] Based on the above, this disclosure contains at least the following information. Note that the components and other elements corresponding to those in the embodiments described above are indicated in parentheses, but are not limited thereto.

[0066] (1) A light source (LED21) that emits therapeutic light, A setting input unit (11) for inputting the set irradiation amount of the treatment light, A temperature measuring unit (23) for measuring the temperature of the light source, A reference timer (14) that outputs a timing signal at predetermined time intervals from the start of irradiation of the aforementioned therapeutic light, A temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit (15) calculates a temperature-corrected light output value, which is the light output value corresponding to the measured temperature, which is the temperature of the light source measured by the temperature measuring unit, in accordance with the correspondence between the temperature of the light source and the light output value of the light source at that temperature. A cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit (16) calculates the cumulative irradiation dose from the start of irradiation of the therapeutic light by accumulating and summing the product of the temperature-corrected light output value and the predetermined time in accordance with the timing signal, A remaining irradiation time calculation unit (17) calculates the remaining irradiation amount, which is the difference between the set irradiation amount and the cumulative irradiation amount, in accordance with the timing signal, and calculates the remaining irradiation time by dividing the remaining irradiation amount by the temperature-corrected light output value, It includes an output stop unit (irradiation end timer 18) that stops the output of the therapeutic light, The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit, and the remaining irradiation time calculation unit repeat a series of calculation processes at predetermined time intervals. The output stop unit stops the output of the therapeutic light when the remaining irradiation time becomes shorter than the predetermined time. Phototherapy device (1).

[0067] According to the above configuration, the light source temperature is acquired at predetermined intervals, and the cumulative irradiation dose is calculated using the temperature-corrected light output value corresponding to the latest measured temperature. By calculating the remaining irradiation time, the irradiation stop time can be precisely determined. Therefore, even if the temperature of the light source changes and the light output value fluctuates during irradiation, temperature correction can be performed in real time, allowing for precise irradiation of the set dose.

[0068] (2) The system includes a storage unit (19) that stores in association a reference light output value, which is a measured value of the light output value of the light source measured in advance, and a reference temperature, which is the temperature of the light source when the reference light output value was measured. The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit calculates the temperature-corrected light output value by taking into account the reference light output value. (1) The phototherapy device described above.

[0069] According to the above configuration, the correspondence between the reference light output value and the reference temperature is stored for each individual product, and the temperature-corrected light output value is calculated taking the reference light output value into account. Therefore, even if there is individual variation in the light output value of the light source, the irradiation amount can be precisely controlled.

[0070] (3) The treatment device itself, The device comprises an irradiation probe that is configured to be grippable and electrically connected to the treatment device body, The treatment device body includes the setting input unit, the reference timer, the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit, the cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit, the irradiation time calculation unit, and the output stop unit. The irradiation probe comprises the light source and the temperature measuring unit. (1) or (2) the phototherapy device described above.

[0071] The above configuration allows for a lighter irradiation probe and improved user operability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 1 Phototherapy device 10 Treatment device body 11. Setting Input Section 12 Display section 13 LED control unit 14. Reference Timer 15. Temperature-compensated light output value calculation unit 16 Cumulative dose calculation section 17. Remaining irradiation time calculation unit 18. Irradiation end timer (output stop section) 19 Memory section 20 Irradiation probes 21 LED (light source) 22. Start irradiation button 23 Temperature measurement section

Claims

1. A light source that emits therapeutic light, A setting input unit for inputting the set irradiation amount of the aforementioned therapeutic light, A temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the light source, A reference timer that outputs a timing signal at predetermined time intervals from the start of irradiation of the aforementioned therapeutic light, A temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit calculates a temperature-corrected light output value, which is the light output value corresponding to the measured temperature, which is the temperature of the light source measured by the temperature measuring unit, according to the correspondence between the temperature of the light source and the light output value of the light source at that temperature. A cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit calculates the cumulative irradiation dose from the start of irradiation of the therapeutic light by accumulating and summing the product of the temperature-corrected light output value and the predetermined time in accordance with the timing signal, A remaining irradiation time calculation unit calculates the remaining irradiation amount, which is the difference between the set irradiation amount and the cumulative irradiation amount, in accordance with the timing signal, and calculates the remaining irradiation time by dividing the remaining irradiation amount by the temperature-corrected light output value. It includes an output stop unit that stops the output of the therapeutic light, The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit, and the remaining irradiation time calculation unit repeat a series of calculation processes at predetermined time intervals. The output stop unit stops the output of the therapeutic light when the remaining irradiation time becomes shorter than the predetermined time. Phototherapy device.

2. The system includes a storage unit that stores, in association with a reference light output value, which is a measured value of the light output value of the light source measured in advance, and a reference temperature, which is the temperature of the light source at the time the reference light output value was measured. The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit calculates the temperature-corrected light output value by taking into account the reference light output value. The phototherapy device according to claim 1.

3. The treatment device itself, The device comprises an irradiation probe that is configured to be grippable and electrically connected to the treatment device body, The treatment device body includes the setting input unit, the reference timer, the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit, the cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit, the irradiation time calculation unit, and the output stop unit. The irradiation probe comprises the light source and the temperature measuring unit. The phototherapy device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images