Wearable photobiomodulation (PBM) devices

Abstract

A wearable electronic device (1) comprising: a first radiation source (10) configured to emit a radiation beam (11) onto the surface of a user's skin; a driver circuit (20) configured to supply a drive current (15) to the radiation source (10) to control the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam on the surface, wherein the radiation beam has a peak radiation wavelength between 610 and 1400 nm; and a sensor circuit (30) having an antenna (40) and / or one or more sensors. The driver circuit (20) is configured to receive one or more inputs from the sensor circuit (30) and / or the antenna (40) and to control the first radiation source (10) based on the one or more inputs.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

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

[0002]

[0002] Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves irradiating a living organism at a specific energy / power level to induce a biological or biochemical response. The irradiation may be in the visible spectrum, such as red light, or in the invisible spectrum, such as infrared (IR). A considerable amount of research has been done on the medical benefits of employing PBM therapy, which provides physical and mental health advantages.

[0003]

[0003] Most devices that deliver PBM radiation either perform near-field excitation of the skin or treatment area (i.e., a proximity device) or irradiate the entire body using very high power. These specifications provide the PBM effect in dedicated medical or therapeutic devices, which are often bulky and / or expensive. These factors significantly limit the availability of the health and wellness benefits of PBM among the general public.

[0004]

[0004] In the applicant's PCT applications, published as International Publication No. 2020 / 119965 and International Publication No. 2021 / 099642, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, the concept of incorporating PBM into general lighting has been proposed using lighting devices for emitting stable visible light, and further for emitting pulsed red or (near) infrared radiation to induce a PBM response. By driving a radiation source containing pulses instead of a continuous wave (or nearly continuous wave) signal, the peak output in the pulses can be amplified to obtain a PBM response. This allows general lighting devices to emit a sufficient amount of output so that a certain radiation intensity at a certain distance that can induce a PBM response becomes effective. Such lighting devices may be equipped with sensors to turn the PBM radiation on or off depending on the presence and / or distance of a user.

[0005]

[0005] It is desirable to implement PBM functionality in further non-specialist devices used in normal daily activities, such as televisions, smartphones, tablets, and laptops. In this context, wearable electronic devices (such as smartwatches) have good potential in such implementation forms. Wearable electronic devices are generally used for long periods of time during the user's daily life. For example, as long as the user is wearing a watch, the device can deliver PBM radiation to the user as needed. Furthermore, since these devices are positioned close to the user's skin, the delivered irradiation intensity of red or (near) infrared radiation can be controlled accurately and reliably.

[0006]

[0006] However, wearable electronic devices also have some limitations when it comes to delivering PBM radiation. PBM radiation is delivered to the user's face (typically 200 cm) 2 Compared to known radiation devices that project onto relatively large surfaces (larger than 25 cm²), the surface area that wearable electronic devices can irradiate is relatively small. For example, even if a PBM radiation source is placed across the back of a watch, the effective irradiation surface area is typically 25 cm².2 It is less than [a certain value]. While exposure time can be increased to deliver a useful dose based on such a small surface area, continuously delivering PBM radiation for extended periods would rapidly deplete the (battery) power of the wearable electronic device. [Overview of the project]

[0007]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned limitations and to provide a wearable electronic device that can efficiently induce a PBM response in the user.

[0008]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a wearable electronic device such as a wristwatch, the wearable electronic device comprising: a first radiation source configured to emit a (first) radiation beam onto the surface of the skin of a user wearing the wearable electronic device; the radiation beam having a peak radiation wavelength between 610 and 1400 nm; a driver circuit configured to supply a drive current to the radiation source to control the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam on the surface; and a sensor circuit having an antenna and / or one or more sensors (e.g., detectors), wherein the driver circuit is configured to receive one or more inputs from the sensor circuit and / or antenna and to control the first radiation source based on the one or more inputs.

[0009]

[0009] In embodiments, the one or more inputs include an indication of the presence of a second radiation source. For example, the driver circuit may be configured to receive an indication from the sensor circuit or antenna of the presence of a second radiation source (e.g., sunlight and / or another radiation device), and the driver circuit may be configured to reduce the radiation intensity based on the indication.

[0010]

[0010] According to this embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the driver circuit is configured to receive an indication of the presence of a second radiation source (e.g., another device capable of receiving PBM radiation, such as the sun). The indication indicates the environment in which the wearable electronic device is worn, for example, whether the user is expected to receive sufficient PBM radiation from the second radiation source. Such an indication may be implemented as one or more signals from a sensor circuit or an antenna (including both), so that the presence of the second radiation source can be derived, preferably, in terms of how strong the irradiance of the second radiation source is (e.g., sunlight in sunny weather versus sunlight in cloudy weather). In this way, in an environment in which the user is expected to receive natural or artificial irradiation that can induce a PBM response, the wearable electronic device reduces its irradiation intensity, for example, by deactivating the first radiation source and / or adjusting its target delivery dose.

[0011]

[0011] For example, the indication is, - Irradiance calculated from a second radiation source, determined at regular intervals while the device is in use. - Regarding whether wearable electronic devices are worn in outdoor or indoor environments, - Weather conditions when a wearable electronic device is being worn, - The user may indicate at least one of the following whether or not they are receiving a second radiation beam from a second radiation device.

[0012]

[0012] The present invention enables users to continuously benefit from the PBM effect in an efficient manner, while also enabling wearable electronic devices to be used for that purpose for extended periods without rapidly depleting their power.

[0013]

[0013] In an embodiment, the wearable electronic device is configured to periodically measure the irradiance of the second radiation source (e.g., using an antenna and / or one or more sensors) and accordingly adjust the first radiation source. This enables the present invention to be implemented in a simple manner. The wearable electronic device may further be configured to adjust the first radiation source based on other indicators in order to optimize the system.

[0014]

[0014] The wearable electronic device may include a housing configured to accommodate at least one of a sensor circuit, a driver circuit, and an antenna (on the surface of the housing and / or inside the housing), and optionally one or more other components such as a memory device. The housing may include a first surface having a display and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface. The wearable electronic device may further include a band configured to wrap around the skin of a user (e.g., the wrist) such that the second surface of the housing is substantially attached to the user's skin. The first radiation source may be disposed on the second surface of the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the first radiation source may be disposed on a portion of the band.

[0015]

[0015] In an embodiment, the driver circuit is configured to switch between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode (e.g., during normal operation), the radiation beam has a peak irradiation intensity higher than 0.1 mW / cm² at the surface (e.g., at the user's wrist). In the second operating mode, the radiation beam has a peak irradiation intensity lower than 0.01 mW / cm² at the surface (e.g., when switched off). The driver circuit is configured to switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode based on the indication. 2 than, and in the second operating mode, the radiation beam has a peak irradiation intensity lower than 0.01 mW / cm² at the surface (e.g., when switched off). 2 than, and the driver circuit is configured to switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode based on the indication.

[0016]

[0016] In an embodiment, the one or more inputs (e.g., indication) indicate whether the wearable electronic device is worn in an outdoor environment or an indoor environment (e.g., based on one or more sensors in a sensor circuit). Based on the indication, the wearable electronic device may be configured to emit a radiation beam only when the wearable electronic device is worn by a user in an indoor environment (e.g., when the user is inside a building), and not emit (or reduce the irradiation of the radiation beam or reduce the target irradiation dose) the radiation beam when the wearable electronic device is worn by a user in an outdoor environment (e.g., when the user is not inside a building). In this way, in an outdoor environment, it is expected that the user is receiving sunlight as a second radiation source, and unnecessary radiation from the wearable electronic device can be avoided, thereby saving its power.

[0017]

[0017] In an embodiment, the outdoor environment is indicated based on one or more of the detected location, detected temperature, detected light conditions, detected user respiration rate, detected heart rate, detected user movement, received GPS signal strength, received Wi-Fi signal strength, and one or more of the user inputs. The outdoor environment may be indicated directly based on one or more of these factors, or indirectly based on one or more of other factors (e.g., the current activity state of the user) derived from one or more of the above factors, or indicated based on a combination of these two methods.

[0018]

[0018] In an embodiment, the one or more inputs (e.g., indication) indicate the weather condition when the wearable electronic device is worn. The weather condition may be indicated based on at least one of one or more sensors of the sensor circuit, a weather report, and user input. The driver circuit may adjust the irradiation intensity of the (first) radiation beam based on the indication.

[0019]

[0019] In the embodiment, the one or more inputs (e.g., indications) indicate whether the user is receiving a second radiation beam from the second radiation device based on a signal transmitted from the second radiation device or control device to the wearable electronic device (e.g., to an antenna), and the driver circuit is configured to adjust the irradiation intensity and / or duration (exposure time) and / or target dose of the first irradiation beam in accordance with the irradiation intensity and / or duration and / or target dose of the second radiation beam.

[0020]

[0020] The second radiating device may be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, general lighting device, or USB-powered accessory, and it may have its own radiation source for emitting a second radiating beam. The second radiating beam may have a peak radiating wavelength between 610 and 1400 nm with an irradiation intensity sufficient to induce a PBM effect in the user. The wearable electronic device may be configured to communicate with the second radiating device (and / or a control device such as a smartphone), so that the driver circuit can adjust the irradiation intensity and / or duration and / or target irradiation dose of the (first) radiating beam based on the operating mode of the second radiating device.

[0021]

[0021] For example, the driver circuit may be configured to decrease the irradiation intensity and / or duration and / or target dose of the (first) radiation beam when the second radiation beam has a higher radiation intensity (for example, when the second radiation beam is switched on), and to increase the irradiation intensity and / or duration and / or target dose of the (first) radiation beam when the second radiation beam has a lower radiation intensity (for example, when the second radiation beam is switched off).

[0022]

[0022] In the embodiment, the wearable electronic device further comprises an irradiation dose control unit, and the driver circuit ensures that the irradiation dose of the radiant beam delivered over a period of 4 to 8 hours is at least 140 J / cm² when the irradiation intensity of the radiant beam is not reduced according to the one or more inputs (e.g., indications). 2 The system is configured to adjust the irradiation intensity, duration, and / or pulse conditions of the radiated beam based on input received from the irradiation dose control unit. This ensures that a sufficient total irradiation dose is delivered over time and over a limited area on the surface (e.g., 10-60 cm). 2 It is enabled that the radiation can be accumulated within the range. The radiation dose control unit may be configured such that the total radiation dose delivered by the radiation beam over a period of 4 to 12 hours across the surface is in the range of 1 to 10 kJ, or 2 to 6 kJ, or 3 to 7 kJ, or 3 to 6 kJ, or 4 to 8 kJ, or 3 to 5 kJ, or another range.

[0023]

[0023] In the embodiment, the dose control unit is configured to receive input from at least one of the sensor circuit and the antenna in order to control the driver circuit based on the combined dose of the wearable electronic device and the second radiation source. For example, the driver circuit may be configured to switch off the first radiation source when a predetermined amount of combined dose is reached. The dose control unit is further configured to adjust the target dose of the wearable electronic device in accordance with the accumulated dose delivered by the second radiation source. When the target dose is reached, the driver circuit may switch off the first radiation source.

[0024]

[0024] In the embodiment, the irradiation dose control unit is configured such that, in response to one or more inputs (e.g., indications), the irradiation intensity of the (first) radiation beam is reduced (e.g., switched off) when a specified time has elapsed or a specified irradiation dose has been accumulated. In this way, the irradiation dose delivered from the second radiation source may be taken into consideration, and the irradiation dose received by the user from both the wearable electronic device and the second radiation source can be optimized together.

[0025]

[0025] In the embodiment, the driver circuit is configured to switch between a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and a third operating mode based on one or more inputs (e.g., indications). The (first) radiation beam may have a first target dose in the first operating mode, a second target dose in the second operating mode, and a third target dose in the third operating mode, where the first target dose is lower than the second target dose and the second target dose is lower than the third target dose. For example, the first operating mode may be used when the user is in a sunny outdoor environment, the second operating mode may be used when the user is in a cloudy or rainy outdoor environment, and the third operating mode may be used when the user is in an indoor environment. A dose control unit may be used to ensure that these target doses are obtained.

[0026]

[0026] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device is a wristwatch configured to emit a beam of radiation to a portion of the user's wrist when the wristwatch is worn by the user.

[0027]

[0027] In this embodiment, the surface area of ​​the user's skin that receives the radiation beam is 10 cm² 2 From 60cm 2 It is between these two points.

[0028]

[0028] In embodiments, the wearable electronic device is configured to adjust the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam and / or the exposure time and / or target dose of the radiation beam in response to one or more of the user's physical conditions (health conditions), such as heart rate, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), respiratory characteristics, and temperature. These conditions may be determined based on one or more sensors and / or user input. This allows the wearable electronic device to adjust the dose delivered to the user in response to such conditions. The wearable electronic device may further be configured to generate the radiation beam during a defined time period of the day. This may, for example, allow the PBM dose to be delivered during daytime hours instead of nighttime hours. Such delivery can further anticipate changes in time of day and adjust the dose delivery accordingly. Additionally or alternatively, the wearable electronic device can adjust the radiation beam during the user's exercise (for example, by communicating with a fitness app and / or fitness device, and / or based on user input). Overall, PBM dose delivery can be optimized in various ways using functions that are normally present in wearable electronic devices such as smartwatches.

[0029]

[0029] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a system capable of providing a photobiomodulation (PBM) effect, the system comprising a wearable electronic device according to the first aspect of the present invention and a second radiating device configured to operate in a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the second radiating device emits a second radiating beam having a peak radiating wavelength between 610 and 1400 nm, and in the second state the second radiating device does not emit a second radiating beam, and an indication indicates whether the second radiating device operates in the first state or the second state.

[0030]

[0030] The second radiating device may be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, general lighting device, radiating device automobile, train, or other vehicle. In particular, most wearable electronic devices such as smartwatches are controlled using a smartphone. Smartphone users generally view their smartphones at a relatively short, stable distance (e.g., 30 cm) for a relatively long viewing time. Furthermore, most smartphones are equipped with face detection / recognition functions. By combining these functions with the wearable electronic device according to the first aspect of the present invention, an efficient PBM system can be utilized in which both devices function efficiently.

[0031]

[0031] In this embodiment, the second radiating device is configured to detect a predetermined area of ​​the user's body, and is configured to operate in a first state and to transmit a deactivation signal to the wearable electronic device as an indication that the second radiation source is present when the predetermined area is detected within a specified distance, and is configured to operate in a second state and to transmit an activation signal to the wearable electronic device as an indication that the second radiation source is not present when the predetermined area is not detected within a specified distance. In this way, the wearable electronic device emits PBM radiation when the second radiating device does not emit its PBM radiation, based on reliable (face) detection / recognition, and vice versa, so that radiation is not wasted on either device.

[0032]

[0032] In this embodiment, the predetermined area covers at least a portion of the user's face.

[0033]

[0033] The third aspect of the present invention relates to a wearable electronic device such as a wristwatch. The wearable electronic device includes a first radiation source configured to emit a (first) radiation beam onto the surface of the skin of a user (e.g., the wrist) on which the wearable electronic device is worn. The radiation beam has a peak radiation wavelength between 610 and 1400 nm, and a driver circuit configured to supply a drive current to the radiation source to control the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam on the surface, and an irradiation amount control unit. The driver circuit is configured to adjust the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam based on an input received from the irradiation amount control unit such that the total irradiation amount of the radiation beam delivered over a period of 4 to 8 hours is at least 1 kJ (at least when the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam is not reduced according to the one or more inputs such as an indication).

[0034]

[0034] The wearable electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention may further include one or more of the above-described elements in relation to the first aspect of the present invention, and may be configured to interact with the second radiation device described above in relation to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0035]

[0035] The fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device includes a first radiation source configured to emit a (first) radiation beam onto a body part of a user on which the wearable electronic device is worn. The body part of the user to be irradiated has a projected area smaller than 200 cm 2 and the radiation beam has a peak radiation wavelength between 610 and 1400 nm. A driver circuit configured to supply a drive current to the radiation source to control the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam on the body part, and an irradiation amount control unit. The driver circuit is configured to adjust the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam based on an input received from the irradiation amount control unit.

[0036]

[0036] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: a first radiation source configured to radiate a (first) radiation beam onto a user's body; the radiation beam having a peak radiation wavelength between 610 and 1400 nm; a driver circuit configured to supply a drive current to the radiation source to control the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam on the body; and a sensor circuit having an antenna and / or one or more sensors (e.g., detectors), wherein the driver circuit is configured to receive indications from the sensor circuit or antenna of the presence of a second radiation source (e.g., sunlight and / or another radiation device) and / or information regarding the user's physical state (e.g., via a wearable electronic device), and the driver circuit is configured to reduce the radiation intensity based on the indications. The electronic device may be implemented as a second radiation device in a system according to a second aspect of the present invention.

[0037]

[0037] Next, embodiments will be described only by reference to the attached schematic diagrams, in which corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1A]

[0038] A diagram schematically showing an embodiment of the wearable electronic device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 1B] A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the wearable electronic device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 1C] A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the wearable electronic device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 2]

[0039] This figure shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a wearable electronic device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 3]

[0040] A diagram showing an embodiment of a wearable electronic device 1 according to the present invention, which is configured to detect whether the user is in an outdoor or indoor environment. [Figure 4]

[0041] A diagram showing an embodiment of the wearable electronic device 1 according to the present invention, which is configured to operate according to weather conditions. [Figure 5]

[0042] Figure shows an embodiment of a wearable electronic device 1 according to a first aspect of the present invention and a system capable of providing a photobiomodulation (PBM) effect according to a second aspect of the present invention, wherein the wearable electronic device 1 is configured to establish the presence of a second device 2 capable of emitting a second radiation beam 21. [Figure 6]

[0043] A figure showing an embodiment of a wearable electronic device 1 according to the present invention, which includes an irradiation dose control unit 50 for controlling the irradiation dose. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039]

[0044] The following is a description of a particular embodiment of the present invention, given only as an example and related to the drawings.

[0040]

[0045] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a wearable electronic device 1 (such as a wristwatch) according to the present invention.

[0041]

[0046] The wearable electronic device 1 may include a housing 102 that houses one or more internal components, such as one or more integrated circuit chips, circuit boards, display devices, batteries, memory devices, one or more sensors, one or more antennas, or other functional components. The wearable electronic device 1 is configured to emit a radiation beam 11 onto the surface of the user's skin. Wearable electronic devices 1, such as watches, clothing, and jewelry, are designed to be worn by the user for extended periods during normal daily activities.

[0042]

[0047] The housing 102 may include a first surface 102a (e.g., front) containing a display, and a second surface 102b (e.g., back) facing the user's skin (e.g., on the user's wrist) and very close to the user's skin. The housing 102 may be implemented as any suitable structure that functions to surround these internal components and may be directly or indirectly coupled to the band 103 so that the housing 102 can be worn on the user's wrist. Figure 1A shows a (smart)watch, but other types of wearable electronic devices (e.g., smart bands, jewelry, clothing items) may also be used. Furthermore, although Figure 1A shows a substantially rectangular structure of the wearable electronic device 1, the housing 102 may have any suitable size or shape, such as circular, hexagonal, square, or other shapes. Furthermore, although Figure 1 shows that the radiation beam 11 is emitted from the back of the wearable electronic device 1, the radiation beam 11 may additionally or alternatively be emitted from another part of the wearable electronic device 1, such as from band 103.

[0043]

[0048] Figure 1B shows another perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A. The wearable electronic device 1 comprises a first radiation source 10 configured to emit a radiation beam 11. For example, the first radiation source 10 may be disposed on a second surface (e.g., the back surface) 102b of the wearable electronic device 1, as shown in Figure 1B. Alternatively or additionally, the first radiation source 10 may also be disposed on another part (not shown) of the wearable electronic device, such as a portion of the band 103.

[0044]

[0049] The wearable electronic device 1 is preferably configured to radiate the radiation beam 11 to the user's skin in an area substantially directly beneath the wearable device, for example, by exposing the user's wrist to the radiation beam 11 beneath a watch and / or watch band worn by the user, rather than other parts of the user's body. The wearable electronic device 1 is preferably configured to hold a first radiation source in a substantially fixed position very close to the user's skin when the device is worn by the user, for example, with a distance of 3 mm or less between the surface of the wearable device at the location of the radiation source 10 and the user's skin.

[0045]

[0050] The radiation source 10 may comprise a plurality of LEDs and / or one or more edge-emitting laser diodes (EELDs) and / or vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) for emitting a radiation beam. In the following description, the term "LED" is used for brevity but should be understood to encompass LEDs, EELDs, and / or VCSELs, all of which may be used as the first radiation source 10. The radiation beam has a peak radiation wavelength between 610 and 1400 nm. In embodiments, the peak radiation wavelength is in the (near) infrared ((N)IR) region, such as 700 to 1400 nm. In embodiments, this range may be 760 to 1400 nm or 800 to 1100 nm. Another option is the range 800 to 870 nm. The peak radiation wavelength may also include the red light spectrum, such as the range 610 to 700 nm. Radiation within these ranges is referred to herein as "PBM radiation". Preferably, substantially all of the radiation emitted by the radiation source 10 is within a range at its peak emission wavelength, for example, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the radiation falling within the ranges of 610–1400 nm, 700–1400 nm, 760–1400 nm, or 800–1100 nm. By irradiating a predetermined area (e.g., the user's face) with radiation in these spectra, a beneficial PBM response can be induced. Some embodiments can utilize devices that emit simultaneously in different wavelength regions. LEDs, EELDs, and / or VCSELs may comprise semiconductor light sources based on AlGaInP, InGaP, InGaAsP, InAlGaAsP, AlGaAs, GaAs, InGaAs, and other relevant material systems known in the art.

[0046]

[0051] In some embodiments, optical components such as diffusers, lenses, and / or waveguides may be used to disperse red or (near) infrared light across a target surface in an efficient and cost-effective manner to achieve a predetermined irradiance level and / or irradiation dose.

[0047]

[0052] Figure 1C shows a modified embodiment of Figure 1A, in which the first radiation source 10 comprises a plurality of LEDs, EELDs and / or VCSELs located on the second portion 10a on the second surface 102b and on the second portion 10b on the surface (e.g., back) of both portions of the band 103 of the wearable electronic device 1.

[0048]

[0053] The second portion 10b may comprise a plurality of low-power LEDs arranged over a large portion of the band 103 of the electronic watch, so that the plurality of low-power LEDs are oriented toward the user's skin and are in close proximity to the user's skin when the watch is worn. This may be accomplished, for example, by incorporating the LEDs into a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) incorporated into or attached to the band 103, although the LEDs may be mounted by other means. For example, a suitable LED is product number QBLP601-IR3 from the QT-Brightek Chip LED Series. These LEDs are small (1.6 × 0.8 mm) 2 When driven with a current of 20mA (and a forward voltage of 1.4V), it delivers approximately 3mW of radiation at 850nm.

[0049]

[0054] The area available on the surface 102b for positioning the LED of the first radiation source 10, and therefore the area of ​​skin to be irradiated, is generally 1 cm² for a small watch. 2 From 25cm for large watches 2 This can vary up to 10 cm. This area increases significantly when both surface 102b and band 103 are available for arranging the LEDs, and is generally 10 cm for small watches and narrow bands. 2 60cm for large watches with wide bands 2 The voltage can vary. LEDs may be assigned in various series / parallel string combinations to provide a suitable drive voltage for the DC-DC driver circuit powered by a watch battery to drive the LEDs.

[0050]

[0055] The driver circuit 20 may be configured to switch between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, in which the first operating mode (e.g., normal operation) emits a beam of 0.1 mW / cm² on the surface of the user's wrist. 2 It has a higher peak irradiation intensity than the first mode, and in the second operating mode, the radiated beam emits 0.01 mW / cm² on the surface. 2 Having a lower peak irradiation intensity, the driver circuit is configured to switch from a first operating mode to a second operating mode based on a control indication such as indication 16, which is discussed below. The irradiation intensity on the surface of the user's wrist may be nearly uniform or may vary to some extent across the surface. In the latter case, a specific value of the irradiation intensity may be measured at the center of the radiating beam 11, for example, at the center point C of the back surface 102b of the wearable electronic device 1, as shown in Figure 1B. Similarly, the accumulated irradiation dose (see below in relation to Figure 6) may be derived in the same manner.

[0051]

[0056] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a wearable electronic device 1 according to the present invention. In the shown embodiment, the wearable electronic device 1 includes a radiation source 10, a driver circuit 20 configured to supply a drive current 15 (which may be a pulsed or continuous wave) to the radiation source 10 to control the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam on the surface of the user's skin, a sensor circuit 30 having one or more sensors, and an antenna 40. One or more of these components may be housed in a housing 102, a band 103, or somewhere else in the wearable electronic device.

[0052]

[0057] The sensor circuit 30 includes one or more sensors, such as motion sensors like accelerometers or velocity sensors, gyroscopes, pulse (heart rate) sensors, respiratory rate sensors, blood oxygen sensors, capacitance sensors, electromagnetic field sensors, light sensors, infrared or near-infrared synchrotron radiation sensors, image sensors, pressure or force sensors, touch sensors, vibration sensors, thermal sensors or temperature sensors, orientation sensors, position sensors (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) devices), communication devices (e.g., wireless communication devices such as Wi-Fi chips), and resistance sensors. Wearable electronic devices such as smartwatches generally use such sensors to influence their operation. By utilizing such sensors, the present invention enables the wearable electronic device 1 to control the radiation beam 11 in accordance with the surrounding environment.

[0053]

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the driver circuit 20 is configured to receive indications 16 from the sensor circuit 30 and / or the antenna 40. Based on the indications, the driver circuit 20 adjusts the irradiation intensity or duty cycle of the radiant beam 11 at the user's wrist by adjusting the drive current 15, for example, by adjusting the amplitude and / or pulse width and / or frequency of the drive current 15. The indications 16 may indicate the environment in which the wearable electronic device is worn, including the received irradiance level from sources other than the first radiation source 10. That is, it may indicate whether the user is expected to receive sufficient PBM radiation from the second radiation source, or at least a portion of the desired amount of PBM radiation from the second radiation source.

[0054]

[0059] Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the wearable electronic device 1 is configured to detect whether the user is in an outdoor or indoor environment. The outdoor environment may be detected based on many factors, such as the detected location, detected temperature, detected light conditions, the user's activity level based on detected movement, detected respiratory rate or heart rate and / or user input, GPS signal strength, Wi-Fi signal strength, or one or more of these factors.

[0055]

[0060] In this embodiment, the wearable electronic device 1 is configured to reduce the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam 11 when the wearable electronic device 1 is worn in an outdoor environment, and the user is expected to receive sunlight as a natural PBM source. For example, the first radiation source 10 may be switched off when an outdoor environment is detected. By reducing the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam 11 when not needed, it is possible to conserve battery life for times when it is needed, such as when the user enters a building or when the weather deteriorates (as discussed below).

[0056]

[0061] Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which the driver circuit 12 is configured to adjust the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam 11 according to the detection results of the environment and weather. The weather conditions may be detected by one or more sensors, based on weather reports retrieved from the Internet via GPS or a wireless communication device, based on user input, or a combination of these.

[0057]

[0062] In sunny weather, where sunlight is strong, the first radiation source may be switched off. In contrast, in cloudy (or rainy) weather, as shown in Figure 4, where sunlight is weaker, the first radiation source 11 may be switched on, but to compensate for the reduced sunlight, it may emit the radiation beam 11 at a lower irradiation intensity, or for a shorter duration, or in a modified pulse mode, or with a reduced duty cycle. If the user is inside a building, the radiation source 10 may generate the radiation beam 11 at a normal irradiation intensity. In other words, based on indication 16, the driver circuit 12 can operate to control the radiation beam 11 by various different irradiation intensities, pulse modes, or on times (including switching it off) in order to use enough power to continue providing the user with the desired level of PBM effect.

[0058] A system in which multiple PBM devices function together.

[0063] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a wearable electronic device 1 according to the present invention, which is configured to establish the presence of a second device 2 capable of emitting a second radiation beam 21. The second device 2 may be a smartphone, as shown in the figure.

[0059]

[0064] Most smartwatch users also typically own a smartphone, and most smartwatches can communicate with smartphones, with the smartphone itself being a suitable device for providing a PBM effect, for example, via a second radiating beam 21. Many users generally spend relatively long viewing times with such devices, maintaining a relatively short and stable distance (e.g., 30 cm) from the screen. Furthermore, many smartphones are equipped with face detection / recognition capabilities, which allow the smartphone to emit a second radiating beam 21 upon detecting a user.

[0060]

[0065] The embodiment in Figure 5 is based on the insight that a highly efficient system can be implemented by combining the "smartness" of a smartphone with a wearable electronic device 1 such as a smartwatch. In this embodiment, the indication 16 is a signal received via the antenna 40 of the wearable electronic device 1, indicating whether the second device 2 is currently emitting a second radiation beam 21. This may be done using the smartphone's face detection / recognition function. For example, when the smartphone detects the user's face within its effective range (e.g., within a range of 20-50 cm, such as 30 cm), the smartphone can begin emitting the second radiation beam 21 and send a deactivation signal to the wearable device 1. Upon receiving the deactivation signal with its antenna 40, the wearable electronic device 1 can deactivate the radiation source 10. Conversely, when the smartphone detects that the user's face is not within its effective range, the smartphone can stop emitting the second radiation beam 21 and send an activation signal to the wearable device 1. Upon receiving the activation signal with its antenna 40, the wearable electronic device 1 may activate the radiation source 10. In this way, neither the wearable electronic device 1 nor the smartphone 2 wastes power on unnecessary PBM radiation, while the user can continuously benefit from the PBM effect.

[0061]

[0066] The second device 2 can further be any device that can be equipped with a suitable red or (near) infrared light source, such as a laptop, tablet, or general lighting device, as described in International Publication No. 2020 / 119965 and International Publication No. 2021 / 099642, etc. In these embodiments, the operating state of the second device 2 may also be indicated to the wearable electronic device 1 based on communication between these devices, or it may be indicated by another control device such as a smartphone.

[0062]

[0067] The second device 2 may include its own radiation source (not shown), which may include a plurality of LEDs and / or one or more EELDs or VCSELs (including VCSEL arrays) for emitting the second radiation beam 21. Similar to the (first) radiation beam 11, the second radiation beam 21 may have a peak radiation wavelength between 610 and 1400 nm. In embodiments, the peak radiation wavelength of the second radiation beam 21 is in the (near) infrared ((N)IR) region, such as 700 to 1400 nm. In embodiments, this range may be 760 to 1400 nm or 800 to 1100 nm. Another option is the range 800 to 870 nm. The peak radiation wavelength may further include the red light spectrum, such as the range 610 to 700 nm. Preferably, substantially all of the radiation of the second radiation beam 21 is within the range at the peak radiation wavelength, for example, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the radiation is within the range. By irradiating a predetermined area (e.g., the user's face) with radiation from these spectra, a beneficial PBM response can be induced. Some embodiments may utilize devices that emit simultaneously in different wavelength regions.

[0063] Irradiation dose control

[0068] Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which the wearable electronic device 1 further comprises an irradiation dose control unit 50 for controlling the irradiation dose of PBM radiation received by the user.

[0064]

[0069] The irradiation dose control unit 50 may include a timer and / or logic for calculating the accumulated irradiation dose and / or irradiation dose rate. The irradiation dose control unit 50 may be implemented as a hardware logic circuit, a combination of hardware and software, or firmware, and may be combined with other circuits that perform other functions of the wearable electronic device 1.

[0065]

[0070] Irradiation dose is generally expressed in units of stored energy per square centimeter, i.e., J / cm². 2It is expressed in units of kJ, or as a total dose value expressed as energy in kJ. It is generally believed that once the accumulated dose exceeds a certain optimal level, the overall PBM effect begins to decline, and therefore, continuing to accumulate dose can even be harmful to the body. There is currently debate about exactly where the optimal dose level should be. This discussion is often hampered by poorly defined irradiation surface area, changes in wavelength and other optical properties, and various result parameters being monitored. Nevertheless, the inventors have found that several J / cm² is a good value. 2 From tens of J / cm 2 (For example, 5-50 J / cm²) 2 It was determined that the accumulated dose of radiation can have a positive effect (MCGimenez et al., "Effect of Near-Infrared Light on Well-Being and Health in Human Subjects with Mild Sleep-Related Complaints: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study", Biology 2023, 12(1), 60).

[0066]

[0071] The calculation of the accumulated irradiation dose by the irradiation dose control unit 50 preferably takes into account the PBM radiation received by the user from the radiation source 10 of the wearable device 1, and any PBM radiation received from the sun and / or one or more other sources such as the second device 2 that emit PBM radiation. The accumulated irradiation dose received from the radiation source 10 is calculated based on the user's skin area exposed to the PBM radiation from the radiation source 10, the exposure time (i.e., the period of time the wearable device is worn by the user and the radiation source 10 is emitting PBM radiation), the duty cycle of the LED of the radiation source 10, and the irradiance (mW / cm²). 2) may be calculated based on the following. In a simple implementation, the accumulated radiation dose from the radiation source 10 may be calculated based on the duration of time the wearable device is worn by the user and the radiation source 10 is switched on.

[0067]

[0072] The accumulated radiation dose received from other PBM radiation sources may be calculated based on the prediction or measurement of the radiation dose received from other sources. The prediction of the received radiation dose may be based, for example, on indications 31 and / or 41 about the detected environment received from the sensor circuit 30 and / or antenna 40 (as discussed above) and the elapsed exposure time to that environment (determined, for example, by the timer circuit of the radiation dose control unit 50). In a simple implementation, the accumulated radiation dose from other PBM radiation sources may be calculated based on the duration of time the wearable device 1 is worn by the user in an outdoor environment. The measurement of the received radiation dose may be based, for example, on indications 31 from the sensor circuit 30 (e.g., from an infrared or near-infrared synchrotron radiation sensor that measures the irradiance of the received PBM radiation) and the duration of time the radiation is received (determined, for example, by the timer circuit of the radiation dose control unit 50).

[0068]

[0073] The dose control unit 50 can supply an indication 51 used to control the radiation source 10. The indication 51 may be a signal that simply indicates when a predetermined dose has been reached, a signal with a variable value indicating the currently accumulated dose, a signal indicating the rate at which the dose is being accumulated, a control signal for controlling the intensity of the radiation emitted by the radiation source 10, or any other type of indication or control signal related to the dose. The driver circuit 20 may be configured to receive the indication 51, and in response to stop supplying the drive current 15 to the radiation source 10, or to change the drive current 15 to change the intensity of the radiation beam 11. For example, the indication 51 may control the driver circuit 20 to reduce the drive current 15 when the wearable device 1 is worn by a user in an external environment, or it may control the driver circuit 20 to stop the drive current 15 when a predetermined accumulated dose has been calculated by the dose control unit 50.

[0069]

[0074] In this way, the contribution of any PBM radiation received from sources other than the wearable device 1 can be taken into consideration in controlling the radiation source 10 of the wearable device. This allows the wearable device 1 to conserve power by reducing the radiation emitted by the radiation source 1 when it is not needed.

[0070]

[0075] Wearable device 1 may adjust the dose delivered to the user depending on the user's physical condition. For example, if wearable device 1 detects that the user's condition is not optimal (e.g., based on resting heart rate, VO2max, respiratory characteristics, or otherwise), wearable device 1 may deliver a higher dose to help the user recover. Wearable device 1 may also adjust the dose it delivers depending on other user characteristics such as age, sex, pregnancy, nutrition, hormone cycle, menstrual cycle, or genetics. Wearable PBM devices may also communicate with other devices (e.g., smartphones or laptops) to instruct those devices to adjust their PBM radiation to (temporarily) increase the daily dose.

[0071]

[0076] In another embodiment, the wearable device 1 is configured (e.g., programmed) to deliver the optimal PBM dose at a specific time, before a specific time, or after a specific time. This may be advantageous for improving, avoiding, or regulating the user's circadian rhythm. The preferred time for PBM delivery may be adapted when the device detects a change in time zone or based on user input. Furthermore, the wearable device 1 may change the preferred time for PBM delivery before a change in time zone occurs to help the user adapt to the new time zone in advance.

[0072]

[0077] The ideal time for PBM administration may further be adapted to the user's lifestyle, for example, in response to shift work and associated (social) jet lag, and / or the desire to avoid sleep because it is to be done at night. Furthermore, the ideal time for administration may be adapted to the user's personal biological characteristics, such as age, sex, pregnancy, nutrition, hormone cycle, menstrual cycle, or genetics.

[0073]

[0078] In another embodiment, the PBM device may communicate with a fitness app and / or fitness device, or respond to user input, in order to contribute to the user's optimal athletic performance. For example, the timing of dose delivery may be adapted to the user's exercise schedule. For instance, depending on the type of exercise (aerobic or anaerobic, training day or race day, etc.), the dose can be delivered before the athletic activity for preparation, during the athletic activity for performance enhancement, or after the athletic activity to aid recovery.

[0074]

[0079] In the context of using wearable electronic device 1 to induce the PBM effect, the surface area affected by the radiation beam is very limited, and the inventors have come to realize that the accumulated radiation dose across the entire irradiated area may be the decisive factor. Such an accumulated radiation dose can be several kJ. To achieve this, the radiation dose (per square centimeter) is set much higher than the typical setting, i.e., 50 to 140 kJ / cm². 2 The above is required. Table 1 shows several embodiments, in which an accumulated total dose of approximately 4 kJ is achieved over an area of ​​the user's wrist exposed for 8 hours.

[0075] [Table 1]

[0076]

[0080] In one example, a large watch and band is 60cm. 2 The illuminated area has a total of 20 LEDs, with one LED per 3 square cm and a power output of 1 mW / cm². 2 At an average irradiance, it delivers a total radiation of 60 mW. If the LED is operated continuously (100% duty cycle) for 8 hours, it delivers a total energy of 1.73 kJ, resulting in a radiation output of 28.8 J / cm². 2 An average irradiation dose of 6.5 J / cm² is achieved. This corresponds to a typical human face, neck, and hand. 2This represents approximately 43% of the total energy of the delivered radiation dose, which has been found by the inventors to have positive benefits for humans. In this example, the total power supplied to the LED is approximately 0.6W, and the total energy consumed over 8 hours is approximately 4.8Wh. To supply this power to the LED and to operate the watch's functions, the battery in the watch must have a larger capacity, for example, approximately 5-7W-h in total.

[0077]

[0081] The above example highlights the importance of LED efficiency, where improved efficiency helps reduce power consumption and extend battery life. In another example, a single high-power, high-efficiency infrared LED is positioned on the back of an electronic watch, facing the user's skin. This may be done by integrating the LED into the PCB facing the back of the watch, although the LED may be mounted by other means. A suitable LED for this embodiment is product number SFH4170S from the OSRAM OSLON® P1616 series. This LED is small (1.6 × 1.6 mm). 2 When driven with a current of 70mA (and a forward voltage of 2.7V), it delivers approximately 70mW of radiation at 850nm. The emitted radiation is 5×5mm 2 Assuming that the optical system (lenses and / or diffusers) is mounted on the LED to cover the area on the skin, this single LED would have a power output of approximately 280 mW / cm². 2 This will deliver an average irradiance of approximately 400 mW / cm². 2 This is below the maximum exposure limit for human skin at 850nm irradiation (see MHSmith et al., "Safe delivery of optical power from space," Optics Express Vol. 8 No. 10, pp. 537, 7, May 2001). If the LED is operated continuously (100% duty cycle) for 8 hours, a total energy delivery of 2kJ results in 8.1kJ / cm². 2 This radiation dose is achieved. This corresponds to 6.5 J / cm² for a typical human face, neck, and hands. 2This represents approximately 50% of the total energy of the delivered irradiation, thus providing a positive benefit. The total power supplied to the LED is approximately 0.19W, and the total energy consumed over 8 hours is approximately 1.5Wh. To supply power to the LED and to operate the watch's functions, the battery inside the watch must have a larger capacity than this, approximately 2.5-3.5Wh in total.

[0078]

[0082] Of course, especially when the wearable electronic device 1 is receiving PBM radiation in combination with one or more other radiation sources (other devices or the sun, etc.), a lower total energy delivery is required for the radiation source 10 to conserve energy and battery life for the wearable electronic device 1. In the second example above, for example, the total energy delivered is 6.5 J / cm² for a typical human face, neck, and hand. 2 The total energy of the delivered irradiation can be reduced to 20%. This may also be achieved by reducing the LED current (for example, to 22.5 mA), allowing the use of smaller, lower-cost LED chips. In this case, the total energy consumed over 8 hours is approximately 0.5 Wh, which is within the battery capacity range of many electronic watches currently on the market. Of course, over time, battery capacity will improve, and more options will become available, including infrared LEDs or laser diodes in wearable PBM applications, as foreseen by this invention.

[0079]

[0083] As described above, the wearable electronic device 1 may take into account the PBM effect delivered by a second radiation source (such as the sun or a smartphone). The dose control unit 50 may be configured to control the radiation source 10 so that a combined dose is delivered from the wearable electronic device 1 and the second radiation source. For example, the dose control unit 50 may be configured to switch off or reduce the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam 11 when a specified time has elapsed or a specified dose has been accumulated, depending on the indication. In this way, the dose delivered from the second radiation source may be taken into account, and the dose received by the user from both the wearable electronic device and the second radiation source can be optimized together.

[0080]

[0084] Some of the above-described embodiments involve logical operations or calculations. These may be implemented using software (e.g., code implemented on a machine-readable medium or in a transmitted signal), hardware, or a combination thereof. In software implementations, one or more processors may be used. Hardware implementations may involve the use of dedicated circuitry or logic configured to perform a particular operation. For example, a hardware module may be a programmable logic device such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC. It will be understood that the decision to implement using software, hardware, or a combination thereof may be driven by cost and time considerations.

[0081]

[0085] The above is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative and equivalent implementations of the present invention can be devised and put into practice without departing from the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A wearable electronic device (1), The wearable electronic device (1) comprises a first radiation source (10) configured to emit a radiation beam (11) onto the surface of the user's skin, wherein the radiation beam has a peak radiation wavelength between 610 and 1400 nm. A driver circuit (20) is configured to supply a drive current (15) to the first radiation source (10) in order to control the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam on the surface, The system comprises an antenna (40) and / or a sensor circuit (30) having one or more sensors. The wearable electronic device (1) is configured such that the driver circuit (20) is configured to receive one or more inputs from the sensor circuit (30) or the antenna (40), and to control the first radiation source based on the one or more inputs.

2. The driver circuit (20) is configured to receive an indication (16) of the presence of a second radiation source from the sensor circuit (30) or the antenna (40). The wearable electronic device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the driver circuit (20) is configured to reduce the irradiation intensity based on the indication (16).

3. The driver circuit (20) is configured to switch between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, in which the radiated beam is 0.1 mW / cm² at the surface. 2 It has a higher peak irradiation intensity than the previous mode, and in the second operating mode, the radiation beam is 0.01 mW / cm² at the surface. 2 The wearable electronic device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, having a lower peak irradiation intensity than the above, and the driver circuit is configured to switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode based on the one or more inputs.

4. The wearable electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more inputs indicate whether the wearable electronic device (1) is being worn in an outdoor environment or an indoor environment, the outdoor environment preferably indicates one or more of the following: detected location, detected temperature, detected light conditions, detected user respiratory rate, detected heart rate, detected user movement, received GPS signal strength, received Wi-Fi signal strength, and user input.

5. The wearable electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more inputs indicate the weather conditions when the wearable electronic device (1) is being worn.

6. The wearable electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the radiation beam is a first radiation beam, and the one or more inputs indicate whether the user is receiving a second radiation beam (21) from the second radiation device (2) based on a signal transmitted to the wearable electronic device (1) from a second radiation device (2) or a control device, and the driver circuit is configured to adjust the irradiation intensity of the first irradiation beam in accordance with the irradiation intensity of the second radiation beam (21).

7. A wearable electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an irradiation dose control unit (50), wherein the driver circuit (20) is configured to adjust the irradiation intensity of the radiant beam (11) based on an input (51) received from the irradiation dose control unit (50) such that the irradiation dose of the radiant beam (11) supplied over a period of 4 to 8 hours is at least 140 kJ when the irradiation intensity of the radiant beam (11) is not reduced according to the one or more inputs.

8. The wearable electronic device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the irradiation dose control unit (50) is configured to receive input from at least one of the sensor circuit (30) and the antenna (40) in order to control the driver circuit (20) based on the combined irradiation dose of the wearable electronic device (1) and the second radiation source.

9. The wearable electronic device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the irradiation dose control unit (50) is configured to reduce the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam (11) when a specified time has elapsed or a specified irradiation dose has been accumulated, in response to one or more inputs.

10. The driver circuit (20) is configured to switch between a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and a third operating mode based on one or more inputs, and the radiating beam (11) has a first target irradiation dose in the first operating mode, a second target irradiation dose in the second operating mode, and a third target irradiation dose in the third operating mode, wherein the first target irradiation dose is lower than the second target irradiation dose, and the second target irradiation dose is lower than the third target irradiation dose, according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The wearable electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the wearable electronic device (1) is a wristwatch, and the wristwatch is configured to emit the radiation beam (11) to a portion of the user's wrist when worn by the user.

12. The surface area of ​​the user's skin that receives the radiation beam (11) is 10 cm². 2 From 60cm 2 A wearable electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is between the above.

13. The wearable electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the wearable electronic device (1) is configured to adjust the irradiation intensity of the radiation beam (11) and / or the exposure time of the radiation beam (11) according to one or more of the user's physical conditions, such as the user's heart rate, maximum oxygen consumption, and / or respiratory characteristics.

14. A system that can provide photobiomodulation (PBM) effects, The wearable electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The system comprises a second radiating device (2) configured to operate in a first state and a second state, In the first state, the second radiating device (2) emits a second radiation beam (21) having a peak radiation wavelength between 610 and 1400 nm, and in the second state, the second radiating device (2) does not emit the second radiation beam (21). The indication is a system that indicates whether the second radiating device (2) operates in the first state or the second state.

15. The second radiating device (2) is configured to detect a predetermined body part of the user, The second radiation device is configured to operate in the first state and, when the predetermined part is detected within a defined distance, to transmit a deactivation signal to the wearable electronic device (1) indicating the presence of the second radiation source. The system according to claim 14, wherein the second radiating device (2) is configured to operate in the second state and to transmit an activation signal to the wearable electronic device (1) indicating that the second radiating source is not present when the predetermined part is not detected within a defined distance.

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