Light therapy device

Abstract

To provide a phototherapy device that ensures user convenience. [Solution] The phototherapy device 1 comprises an LED 21 that outputs therapeutic light, an LED control unit 13 that controls the operation of the LED 21, a temperature measurement unit 23 that measures the temperature of the LED 21, an upper limit threshold detection unit 14 that sends a stop signal to the LED control unit 13 when the temperature exceeds an upper limit threshold, and a stop release temperature setting unit 15 that sends a stop release signal to the LED control unit 13 when the temperature falls below a cooling release threshold, and the stop release temperature setting unit 15 is configured to be able to change the cooling release threshold depending on the operating time or number of times the LED 21 is operated.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Phototherapy devices are known that provide treatments such as pain relief by irradiating light such as near-infrared light. There are various types of conventional phototherapy devices, including those that repeatedly change the amount of visible light before and during irradiation to improve safety for the eyes, and those that irradiate light of multiple different wavelengths from multiple light sources to enhance the therapeutic effect.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a light output control system that takes into account individual differences between light source devices 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 Application Publication No. 2024-034762 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-139325 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In phototherapy devices, the temperature of the light source rises over time as light irradiation is performed. However, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) used as light sources generally have a temperature guarantee limit value that guarantees proper operation. If the temperature of the LED exceeds this temperature guarantee limit value, it may become impossible to operate normally, which may ultimately lead to the destruction of the LED.

[0006] Therefore, when the LED temperature exceeds a predetermined upper threshold, such as a temperature guarantee limit, the LED is stopped from driving and is put on standby until the temperature drops to a predetermined level through cooling. When the LED temperature reaches the cooling release threshold, which is estimated to be a sufficient drop, the standby cooling is released, allowing the phototherapy device to resume light irradiation.

[0007] However, with this type of conventional light irradiation control, it takes a certain amount of time for the temperature of the LED 21 to drop from the upper threshold to the cooling cancellation threshold. In particular, as the temperature of the LED 1 drops, it becomes more difficult to drop the temperature, and the cooling time generally becomes longer. Therefore, the time it takes for the phototherapy device to return to light irradiation again can be as long as several minutes, which may reduce the convenience for users, such as medical professionals including doctors, and patients waiting for treatment.

[0008] The light output control system of Patent Document 1 determines the amount of current required to achieve a target light output at the current ambient temperature to address temperature-dependent fluctuations in light output, but does not consider the effects of temperature rise during irradiation. The phototherapy device of Patent Document 2 detects the temperature near the area of ​​the human body irradiated with light rays, and when this temperature reaches a predetermined threshold, it activates a standby mode and either reduces the light source output and light intensity or activates a fan to enter cooling mode. However, Patent Document 2 does not disclose the detection of light source temperature or the guaranteed temperature limit of the light source. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 does not anticipate restarting irradiation after stopping the light source, and does not consider the aforementioned issue of the time required for light irradiation to resume after stopping the light source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides a phototherapy device that ensures user convenience.

[0010] The present invention provides a light source that outputs therapeutic light; a light source control unit that controls driving of the light source; a temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature of the light source; an upper limit threshold detection unit that transmits a stop signal to the light source control unit when the temperature exceeds an upper limit threshold; a stop release temperature setting unit that transmits a stop release signal to the light source control unit when the temperature falls below a cooling release threshold that is lower than the upper limit threshold, the stop release temperature setting unit is configured to be able to change the cooling release threshold value according to the driving time or the number of driving times of the light source, It is a light therapy device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the cooling release threshold is changed according to the driving time or the number of times the light source is driven, so that by changing the cooling release threshold to a higher value, the next irradiation can be started earlier, ensuring user convenience. Also, by setting the cooling release threshold to a lower value, the light source can be protected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and temperature in light irradiation control performed by a conventional phototherapy device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and temperature in the light irradiation control performed by the phototherapy device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and temperature in a modified example of light irradiation control performed by the phototherapy device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Specific embodiments of the phototherapy device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a phototherapy device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The phototherapy device 1 includes a treatment device main unit 10 that enables various operations and an irradiation probe 20 that can be held by an operator (user) and is electrically connected to the treatment device main unit 10 via a cable. The phototherapy device 1 is a device that performs so-called phototherapy, irradiating a predetermined area of ​​the human body with therapeutic light to relieve various types of pain, such as inflammatory analgesia, and to provide other treatments. Therapeutic light is light used for treatment and includes ultraviolet and infrared rays. Examples of users are expected to be specialists, such as doctors and nurses.

[0015] An important factor in phototherapy is the amount of light irradiation. In other words, the amount of energy irradiated onto the affected area is important. The irradiation amount must be strictly controlled based on the mechanism of action determined for each treatment subject (disease) and the patient's condition. For example, if the irradiation amount is excessive, there is a risk of side effects. On the other hand, if the irradiation amount is too low, there is a possibility that the therapeutic effect will not be achieved.

[0016] The phototherapy device 1 according to this embodiment strictly controls the irradiation dose, thereby irradiating in accordance with the initially set irradiation dose, thereby aiming to provide the patient with an appropriate therapeutic effect.

[0017] The treatment device main body 10 has a housing made of, for example, resin, a storage section that can store the irradiation probe 20 when not in use, and an operation panel that includes various switches, buttons, knobs, etc. that allow various operation inputs. The irradiation probe 20 is a device that an operator holds and applies light (therapeutic light) to a predetermined area such as an affected area of ​​a patient.

[0018] The treatment device main body 10 includes a setting input unit 11, a display unit 12, an LED control unit 13, an upper limit threshold detection unit 14, a stop release temperature setting unit 15, a remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17, and an irradiation end command unit 18.

[0019] The setting input unit 11 is a section that can be operated by a user to input a set irradiation dose of therapeutic light to be output by the LED 21 (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 that can display various information, and is implemented, for example, by a liquid crystal panel. For example, the display unit 12 displays the set irradiation dose of therapeutic light input by the setting input unit 11, the irradiation time calculated based on the set irradiation dose, etc.

[0020] 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, and is also a light source control unit that controls the driving of the LED 21 as a light source. The LED control unit 13 also receives a stop signal to the LED 21 from an irradiation end command unit 18 (described later), and also receives a start signal to the LED 21 from an irradiation start button 22 of the irradiation probe 20 (described later).

[0021] The upper limit threshold detection unit 14 sends a stop signal to the LED control unit 13 when the temperature of the LED 21 measured by the temperature measurement unit 23 (described later) exceeds the upper limit threshold. The stop release temperature setting unit 15 sends a stop release signal to the LED control unit 13 when the temperature of the LED 21 measured by the temperature measurement unit 23 falls below the cooling release threshold. The cooling release threshold is a temperature lower than the upper limit threshold. The stop release temperature setting unit 15 is configured to be able to change the cooling release threshold according to the driving time or number of times the LED 21 is driven. The driving time of the LED 21 is equivalent to the irradiation time of the LED 21 and means the total time counted each time the LED 21 is driven since the phototherapy device 1 was powered on. The number of times the LED 21 is driven means the number of times the irradiation start button for the LED 21 has been turned on since the phototherapy device 1 was powered on.

[0022] The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation time for which light should be irradiated based on the set irradiation amount, irradiation time, etc. based on the information input to the setting input unit 11. The irradiation end command unit 18 outputs a stop signal to the LED control unit 13 to stop output by the LED 21 when the remaining irradiation time calculated by the remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 becomes shorter than a predetermined time.

[0023] The irradiation probe 20 includes an LED 21, an irradiation start button 22, and a temperature measurement unit 23. As described above, the LED 21 is a light source capable of emitting therapeutic light. In this example, the LED 21 is a light source capable of emitting ultraviolet light for treatment. However, the light source is not limited to an LED as long as it is capable of emitting therapeutic light. The irradiation start button 22 is a button that the user can operate to start treatment. Pressing the button outputs an activation signal. The LED control unit 13 receives the activation signal and controls the LED 21 to emit ultraviolet light.

[0024] The temperature measurement unit 23 is a sensor that measures the temperature of the LED 21 and outputs the temperature to the upper limit threshold detection unit 14 and the stop release temperature setting unit 15. The temperature measurement unit 23 measures the temperature of the LED 21, for example, by detecting the temperature of a board on which the LED 21 is mounted.

[0025] Note that some of the functions of the treatment device main 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 main body 10. However, according to the light therapy device 1 configured as described above in which the irradiation probe 20 has the LED 21 and the temperature measurement unit 23 and the treatment device main body 10 has the other functions, the weight of the irradiation probe 20 can be reduced, and the operability for the user can be improved.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and temperature in light irradiation control performed by a conventional phototherapy device. First, the LED control unit 13 drives the LED 21 to perform treatment by light irradiation. In this example, the LED 21 performs light irradiation for 30 seconds twice. Naturally, the temperature of the LED 21 rises over time from room temperature (e.g., 25°C). However, the LED 21 generally has a temperature guarantee limit value that guarantees proper operation, and if the temperature of the LED 21 exceeds the temperature guarantee limit value, it may not be able to operate normally, which may ultimately lead to damage to the LED 21.

[0027] Therefore, when the temperature of the LED 21 exceeds a predetermined upper threshold, such as a temperature guarantee limit value (point P1 in FIG. 2), the LED control unit 13 stops driving the LED 21 and enters a standby mode in which it waits until the temperature drops to a predetermined temperature through cooling. In this example, the upper threshold is 90°C. When the temperature of the LED 21 reaches the cooling release threshold, which is estimated to be a sufficient drop, the LED control unit 13 releases the cooling in the standby mode (point P2 in FIG. 2). In this example, the cooling release threshold is 35°C. This enables the phototherapy device to resume light irradiation. However, the upper threshold and cooling release threshold may be set arbitrarily.

[0028] However, with this type of conventional light irradiation control, it takes a certain amount of time for the temperature of the LED 21 to drop from the upper threshold of 90°C to the cooling cancellation threshold of 35°C. As shown in the figure, as the temperature of the LED 21 drops from 80°C to 70°C to 60°C to 50°C to 40°C, it generally becomes more difficult to drop the temperature and the cooling time becomes longer. Therefore, the time required for the phototherapy device to return to light irradiation again can be as long as, for example, about three minutes, which may reduce convenience for users, such as medical professionals including doctors, and patients waiting for treatment.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and temperature in light irradiation control performed by the phototherapy device 1 according to the embodiment. To solve the problems of the phototherapy device described in Fig. 2, in the phototherapy device 1 according to the embodiment, the upper limit threshold detection unit 14 sends a stop signal to the LED control unit 13 when the temperature of the LED 21 measured by the temperature measurement unit 23 exceeds the upper limit threshold. The stop release temperature setting unit 15 sends a stop release signal to the LED control unit 13 when the temperature of the LED 21 measured by the temperature measurement unit 23 falls below the cooling release threshold.

[0030] In particular, in this example, the stop release temperature setting unit 15 preliminarily sets a first return threshold (80°C in this example) that is close to the upper limit threshold as the cooling release threshold. As in Fig. 2, when the temperature of the LED 21 exceeds the upper limit threshold (point P3 in Fig. 3), the upper limit threshold detection unit 14 sends a stop signal to the LED control unit 13. This causes the LED control unit 13 to stop driving the LED 21 and enter a standby mode (irradiation disabled) in which it waits until the temperature drops to the first return threshold through cooling.

[0031] When the temperature of LED 21 drops to the first recovery threshold (point P4 in FIG. 3), stop release temperature setting unit 15 sends a stop release signal to LED control unit 13, which is in standby mode due to the stop, and LED control unit 13 releases the stopped state and cancels cooling due to the standby mode. As a result, when LED control unit 13 drives LED 21 to perform therapy by light irradiation (for example, for 5 seconds), the temperature of LED 21 rises again and exceeds the upper limit threshold (point P5 in FIG. 3).

[0032] Then, the upper limit threshold detection unit 14 not only transmits a stop signal to the LED control unit 13, but also transmits a stop signal to the stop release temperature setting unit 15. When the stop release temperature setting unit 15 receives the stop signal from the upper limit threshold detection unit 14, it changes the cooling release threshold from the first return threshold to a second return threshold (70°C in this example) that is lower than the first return threshold. As a result, the LED control unit 13 stops driving the LEDs 21 and enters a standby mode in which it waits until the temperature drops to the second return threshold due to cooling.

[0033] When the temperature of LED 21 drops to the second recovery threshold (point P6 in FIG. 3), stop release temperature setting unit 15 sends a stop release signal to LED control unit 13, which is in standby mode due to the stop, and LED control unit 13 releases the stopped state and cancels cooling due to the standby mode. As a result, when LED control unit 13 drives LED 21 to perform therapy by light irradiation (for example, for 15 seconds), the temperature of LED 21 rises again and exceeds the upper limit threshold (point P7 in FIG. 3).

[0034] Thereafter, the LED control unit 13, the upper limit threshold detection unit 14, and the stop release temperature setting unit 15 repeat the same control as described above, thereby lowering the return threshold to the third return threshold (60°C in this example) and the fourth return threshold (50°C in this example), and light irradiation and stop are repeated as the temperature of the LED 21 transitions between points P8, P9, P10, and P11.

[0035] That is, according to this embodiment, the return threshold for the phototherapy device 1 to return to light irradiation is gradually lowered over time. As a result, in this embodiment, the cooling release threshold is set to an appropriately low value depending on the situation, rather than a fixed, too low value, so that the temperature of the LED 21 reaches the return threshold in a short time, and the time it takes for the phototherapy device 1 to return to light irradiation again is shortened. Therefore, the user is not forced to wait for a long time, as at points P1 to P2 in Figure 2, which not only ensures user convenience but also protects the LED 21, which is the light source.

[0036] 4 is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and temperature in a modified example of light irradiation control performed by the phototherapy device 1 according to the embodiment. In this example, when the temperature of the LED 21 falls below the cooling release threshold without the stop signal being received by the stop release temperature setting unit 15, the cooling release threshold is not changed from the first return threshold.

[0037] In this example, the stop release temperature setting unit 15 also preliminarily sets the first return threshold (80°C in this example) close to the upper limit threshold as the cooling release threshold, and the temperature of the LED 21 transitions between points 12 and 13, similar to points 3 and 4 in Fig. 3. However, thereafter, the temperature of the LED 21 drops (point 14 in Fig. 4) when the LED control unit 13 enters the standby mode without reaching point P5 in Fig. 3, i.e., the upper limit threshold, and may eventually reach the first return threshold (point 15 in Fig. 4).

[0038] In such a case, the temperature of the LED 21 falls below the cooling release threshold without the stop release temperature setting unit 15 receiving a stop signal from the upper limit threshold detection unit 14. Therefore, the stop release temperature setting unit 15 decides not to change the cooling release threshold from the first return threshold. That is, at point P15, the cooling release threshold has not been changed to the second return threshold (70°C in this example). Therefore, the temperature of the LED 21 does not drop to the second return threshold as at point P6 in FIG. 3, but instead rises as light irradiation begins again.

[0039] Thereafter, when the temperature of LED 21 rises again and exceeds the upper limit threshold (point P16 in FIG. 4), upper limit threshold detection unit 14 sends a stop signal to LED control unit 13 and stop release temperature setting unit 15, and stop release temperature setting unit 15 changes the cooling release threshold from the first return threshold to the second return threshold. As a result, LED control unit 13 stops driving LED 21 and enters a standby mode in which it waits until the temperature drops to the second return threshold due to cooling, and the temperature of LED 21 drops to the second return threshold (point P17 in FIG. 4). The process thereafter is the same as in FIG. 3.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the temperature of LED21 starts to drop before reaching the upper threshold, and since the thermal load on LED21 is not high, the lowering of the recovery threshold is stopped, so that the state where light irradiation is cut off can be quickly transitioned to, and user convenience can be prioritized.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0042] As a result, the present disclosure describes at least the following: Note that the components in parentheses correspond to those in the above-described embodiments, but are not limited to these.

[0043] (1) a light source (LED21) that outputs therapeutic light; a light source control unit (LED control unit 13) that controls the driving of the light source; a temperature measuring unit (23) for measuring the temperature of the light source; an upper threshold detection unit (14) that transmits a stop signal to the light source control unit when the temperature exceeds an upper threshold; a stop release temperature setting unit (15) that transmits a stop release signal to the light source control unit when the temperature falls below a cooling release threshold that is lower than the upper limit threshold, the stop release temperature setting unit is configured to be able to change the cooling release threshold value according to the driving time or the number of driving times of the light source, Phototherapy device (1).

[0044] According to the above configuration, the cooling release threshold is changed according to the driving time or the number of times the light source is driven, so that, for example, by changing the cooling release threshold to a higher value, the next irradiation can be started earlier, ensuring user convenience. Also, by setting the cooling release threshold to a lower value, the light source can be protected.

[0045] (2) When the temperature exceeds the upper limit threshold, the upper limit threshold detection unit transmits the stop signal to the stop release temperature setting unit in addition to the light source control unit; When the stop signal is received, the stop release temperature setting unit changes the cooling release threshold from a first return threshold to a second return threshold that is lower than the first return threshold, and transmits the stop release signal to the light source control unit when the temperature falls below the second return threshold. (1) A phototherapy device as described in (1).

[0046] According to the above configuration, by gradually lowering the cooling cancellation threshold, it is possible to achieve both protection of the light source and convenience for the user.

[0047] (3) When the temperature falls below the cooling release threshold without receiving the stop signal, the stop release temperature setting unit does not change the cooling release threshold from the first return threshold. (2) A phototherapy device as described in (2).

[0048] According to the above configuration, if the temperature of the light source falls below the cooling cancellation threshold without receiving a stop signal, the heat load on the light source is not high, and therefore user convenience can be prioritized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1 Phototherapy device 10 Treatment device body 11 Setting input section 12 Display section 13 LED control unit (light source control unit) 14 Upper limit threshold detector 15 Stop release temperature setting section 17 Remaining irradiation time calculation unit 18 Irradiation end command unit 20 Irradiation probe 21 LED (light source) 22 Irradiation start button 23 Temperature measurement section

Claims

1. a light source that outputs therapeutic light; a light source control unit that controls driving of the light source; a temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature of the light source; an upper limit threshold detection unit that transmits a stop signal to the light source control unit when the temperature exceeds an upper limit threshold; a stop release temperature setting unit that transmits a stop release signal to the light source control unit when the temperature falls below a cooling release threshold that is lower than the upper threshold, The stop release temperature setting unit lowers the cooling release threshold in accordance with the light source drive time, which is the total time counted each time the light source is driven after the power of the phototherapy device is turned on, or the number of times the light source is driven, which is the number of times the irradiation start button of the light source is turned on after the power of the phototherapy device is turned on. Phototherapy device.

2. the upper limit threshold detection unit transmits the stop signal to the stop release temperature setting unit in addition to the light source control unit when the temperature exceeds the upper limit threshold; When the stop signal is received, the stop release temperature setting unit changes the cooling release threshold from a first return threshold to a second return threshold that is lower than the first return threshold, and transmits the stop release signal to the light source control unit when the temperature falls below the second return threshold. The phototherapy device according to claim 1.

3. the stop release temperature setting unit does not change the cooling release threshold from the first return threshold when the temperature falls below the cooling release threshold without receiving the stop signal; The phototherapy device according to claim 2.

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