Light irradiation system, light irradiation device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a pain relief effect.SOLUTION: A light irradiation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure comprises an irradiation unit for irradiating an eye of a target with light of a given wavelength band, an illuminance information acquisition unit for acquiring illuminance information indicative of illuminance of the light, and target information output unit for outputting information prompting a change in the state of the target when illuminance of the light is less than a predetermined illuminance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light irradiation system.

Background Art

[0002] Although the eye has the ability to receive light, there are ganglion cells such as intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (iPRGC) that do not have a direct relationship with visual function.

[0003] When intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells receive light, it is known that they have various non-visual effects on the mind and body. For example, it is known that when the eye is irradiated with light in a wavelength band corresponding to blue light, the secretion amount of melatonin in the pineal gland is suppressed. In addition, Non-Patent Document 1 reports that acute and chronic pain is alleviated by irradiating the eye with light in a wavelength band corresponding to green light for 8 hours or more.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] A light irradiation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an irradiation unit that irradiates light in a predetermined wavelength band onto a subject's eye, an illuminance information acquisition unit that is located opposite to the irradiation unit and acquires illuminance information indicating the illuminance of the light, and a target information output unit that outputs information prompting a change in the state of the subject when the illuminance of the light is less than a predetermined illuminance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is an external view showing an example configuration of a light irradiation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the main components of a light irradiation system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the processing flow performed by the light irradiation system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is an external view showing an example configuration of a light irradiation system according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example of the main components of a light irradiation system according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Figure 6] An example of a display screen shown on the display unit is shown. [Figure 7] An example of a display screen shown on the display unit is shown. [Figure 8] This is an example of scheduled action information displayed on the screen of a communication device. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a light irradiation system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] This is an external view showing an example configuration of a light irradiation system according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram showing an example of the main components of a light irradiation system according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of an irradiation section in which multiple light-emitting elements are arranged. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of an irradiation section in which multiple light-emitting elements are arranged. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of an object displayed on the irradiation area. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the control method performed by the light irradiation system according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. [Figure 16] This is a block diagram showing an example of the main components of a light irradiation system according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the control method performed by the light irradiation system according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing the schedule for the light irradiation test. [Figure 19] This graph shows the results of an analgesic test. [Figure 20] This graph shows the results of the blood enkephalin concentration analysis. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] [Embodiment 1] One embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0008] (Configuration of the light irradiation system 100) The configuration of the light irradiation system 100 according to one aspect of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the light irradiation system 100 according to one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the main components of the light irradiation system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0009] The light irradiation system 100 includes a light irradiation device 1, which is a device for irradiating a predetermined wavelength band of light onto a predetermined part of the target body. The light irradiation device 1 may be a stationary device or a wearable device. In this specification, the example of a human being is used to describe the system, but it is not limited to this. For example, various animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, etc., may be the targets of the light irradiation.

[0010] The designated body part to be irradiated with light can be any part as long as pain relief is achieved, but in this disclosure, for example, the eye of the subject is irradiated with light. Alternatively, the designated body part to be irradiated with light may be, for example, the ear. When irradiating the ear of the subject with light, the light irradiation device 1 may be, for example, an earphone type that is inserted into the ear canal of the subject. Alternatively, the earphone type light irradiation device 1 may irradiate light towards the eardrum through the external auditory canal of the subject.

[0011] The light irradiation system 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may irradiate light to both the target eye and ear.

[0012] The light irradiation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is, as an example, an installation type and may include a fixing portion 4 for fixing the jaw and forehead of the target to be irradiated with light. Since the face of the target is fixed by the fixing portion 4, the position of the target's eyes is also fixed. In this case, the target may be irradiated with light while sitting on a chair. The light irradiation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 can irradiate light in a predetermined wavelength band to both eyes of the target, but is not limited thereto. The light irradiation device 1 may be configured to irradiate light in a predetermined wavelength band to one eye of the target.

[0013] The light irradiation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be installed, for example, in a medical institution or may be installed in the target's home.

[0014] Next, the configuration of the light irradiation device 1 will be described using FIG. 2 As shown in FIG. 2, the light irradiation device 1 includes a control unit 10, an irradiation unit 11, and a time measurement unit 12.

[0015] <Irradiation unit 11> The irradiation unit 11 includes one or more light sources for irradiating irradiation light in a predetermined wavelength band to a predetermined part of the target's body. The irradiation unit 11 may include, for example, light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and semiconductor lasers (LDs) as light sources. By using these light emitting elements, the irradiation unit 11 can selectively irradiate monochromatic light with a narrow wavelength width of the emission wavelength. Alternatively, the irradiation unit 11 may include a light source that emits white light and an optical filter (for example, a band pass filter) that transmits only light in a predetermined wavelength band. By selecting and using an appropriate optical filter, the irradiation unit 11 can selectively irradiate irradiation light in a desired wavelength band.

[0016] [Wavelength band of irradiation light] The predetermined wavelength band of the irradiation light may be any wavelength band of light that is expected to improve the physical and mental state of the target when irradiated to the target's eyes.

[0017] By irradiating the target's eye with green light, it is possible to continuously alleviate physical pain, such as pain, felt by the target after irradiation. Therefore, the wavelength range of the irradiated light may be the wavelength range of green light. In this case, the predetermined wavelength range of the irradiated light may be, for example, 450-600 nm, or 500-550 nm. The irradiated light may be green light with a peak top of 525 nm. For example, "450-600 nm" is intended to include wavelengths of 450 nm and 600 nm, and the same applies to other wavelength notations.

[0018] By irradiating the target eye with violet light, it is possible to reduce the degree of visual impairment in the target eye or slow the progression of myopia. Therefore, the wavelength range of the irradiated light may be the wavelength range of violet light. In this case, the predetermined wavelength range of the irradiated light may be 350 to 410 nm.

[0019] Furthermore, irradiating the target's eyes with blue light can alleviate the symptoms of jet lag. Therefore, the wavelength range of the irradiated light may be the wavelength range of blue light. However, when irradiating the target's eyes with blue light, an optical filter that blocks ultraviolet and near-ultraviolet light may be further provided in order to reduce the damage to the target's eyes as much as possible.

[0020] If the effect is expected to improve the physical and mental condition of the subject, the irradiated light may be continuous light that is continuously shone onto the subject's eyes, or it may be pulsed light that is shone intermittently.

[0021] <Time measurement unit 12> The time measurement unit 12 measures the irradiation time during a single treatment. The time measurement unit 12 may start measuring time from the time the irradiation unit 11 starts light irradiation and stop measuring time when light irradiation stops.

[0022] <Control Unit 10> The control unit 10 controls the irradiation unit 11 so that the irradiation time for a single treatment is less than 8 hours. The control unit 10 obtains the irradiation time from the time measurement unit 12. When the irradiation time reaches a predetermined treatment time of less than 8 hours, the control unit 10 stops the light irradiation from the irradiation unit 11. The predetermined treatment time may be set in advance, for example, for each target.

[0023] [Irradiation time] The maximum irradiation time for a single treatment may be 7.5 hours or less, preferably 4 hours or less, even better 2 hours or less, and best 1 hour or less. This reduces the time the subject is confined by the treatment, thereby minimizing the subject's physical and mental burden.

[0024] Furthermore, the minimum irradiation time for a single treatment may be 30 minutes or more, and 1 hour or more is preferable. This allows for pain relief to be achieved in the patient.

[0025] The light irradiation device 1 that irradiates light into the ear, like the light irradiation device 1 that irradiates light into the eye described above, comprises a control unit 10, an irradiation unit 11, and a time measurement unit 12. For example, if the light irradiation device 1 is of the earphone type, the irradiation unit 11 may be installed on the side of the light irradiation device 1 that is inserted into the ear canal and irradiate light towards the back of the ear. Alternatively, the control unit 10 and the time measurement unit 12 may be installed on the side opposite to the irradiation unit 11 of the earphone type light irradiation device 1, on the outside of the ear canal. The control unit 10 also controls the irradiation unit 11 so that the irradiation time is less than 8 hours.

[0026] (Processing performed by the light irradiation system 100) Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing flow performed by the light irradiation system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0027] In S1, first, the irradiation unit 11 irradiates the target eye with irradiation light of a predetermined wavelength band (irradiation step).

[0028] In S2, the time measurement unit 12 starts measuring the irradiation time (time measurement step).

[0029] In S3, the control unit 10 determines whether the irradiation time has reached a predetermined time of less than 8 hours. If the control unit 10 determines that the irradiation time has reached the predetermined time, the process proceeds to S4. If the control unit 10 determines that the irradiation time has not reached the predetermined time, the process in S3 is repeated until it is determined that the predetermined time has been reached.

[0030] In S4, after it is determined that the irradiation time has reached a predetermined time, the control unit 10 stops the irradiation of light by the irradiation unit 11 (irradiation time control step).

[0031] According to the above process, the irradiation unit 11 irradiates light in a predetermined wavelength band, the time measurement unit 12 measures the irradiation time, and the control unit 10 controls the irradiation time to be less than 8 hours. As a result, the target eye can be irradiated with light in a predetermined wavelength band for less than 8 hours, thereby providing pain relief to the target.

[0032] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of this disclosure are described below. For convenience of explanation, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0033] The light irradiation system 100 according to Embodiment 1 was a light irradiation system in which the irradiation time for a single treatment was less than 8 hours for irradiation light in a predetermined wavelength band.

[0034] From the perspective of pain relief, the light irradiation performed in a single treatment may be divided into multiple intermittent sessions. Furthermore, the treatment of irradiating the target eye with light may be performed two or more times. The frequency of each treatment is not particularly limited; it may be performed once a day, or once on consecutive days. For example, one treatment per day may be performed over a cycle of 2 to 5 consecutive days. In this case, for example, the total treatment time for one cycle may be predetermined, and the duration of each individual treatment may vary from day to day, as long as the total treatment time remains within the predetermined limit. This cycle may also be performed regularly on a weekly or monthly basis. Treatments do not have to be performed on consecutive days. For example, they may be performed every other day, or several hours of treatment per day over several consecutive days, followed by a day without treatment, and then several hours of treatment per day for several days. Multiple treatments may also be performed per day. For example, two one-hour treatments may be performed in one day. For example, if the total treatment time is 4 hours, the treatment could be performed continuously for 4 hours, or it could be performed 1 hour at a time, with a 1-hour break in between, for a total of 4 sessions.

[0035] The light irradiation system according to this embodiment is a light irradiation system that, from the above viewpoint, causes a predetermined part of the target body to repeatedly receive light irradiation treatment.

[0036] This embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is an external view showing an example configuration of the light irradiation system according to Embodiment 2. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the light irradiation system according to Embodiment 2.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the light irradiation system 100a of this embodiment includes, as an example, a stationary light irradiation device 1a. For example, the subject receives treatment facing the light irradiation device 1a. At this time, the subject can receive treatment while sitting in a chair, for example. The light irradiation device 1a includes an irradiation unit 11, and as an example, a display unit 13 is provided below the irradiation unit 11. As shown in Figure 4, the irradiation unit 11 may be arranged on one side of the light irradiation device 1a. The light irradiation device 1a may also include a distance measuring unit 14 for measuring the distance between the subject and the irradiation unit 11. Furthermore, the light irradiation system 100a includes, as an example, an illuminance sensor 16.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the light irradiation system 100a of this embodiment may further include a server 2 and an illuminance sensor 16 in addition to the light irradiation device 1a. The server 2 may also include a target information management unit 20. In addition to the control unit 10a, irradiation unit 11, and time measurement unit 12, the light irradiation device 1a also includes a display unit 13, a distance measurement unit 14, and a communication unit 18.

[0039] (Server 2) Server 2 is, for example, connected to the light irradiation device 1 in a communicative manner. Server 2 may be a server owned by, for example, a medical institution. Server 2 includes a target information management unit 20.

[0040] <Target Information Management Department 20> The target information management unit 20 manages the target identification information 21, treatment history information 22, and treatment schedule information 23 in association with each target. The target identification information 21 is information assigned to each target to identify it, and as an example, consists of a sequence of numbers or a string of characters. The treatment history information 22 is information that includes the irradiation time in one treatment received by the target and the number of treatments received by the target. The treatment history information 22 may include, for example, the date and time the treatment was received, or the start time and end time of one treatment. The treatment history information 22 may also include the cumulative irradiation time, which is obtained by multiplying the number of consecutive days the target received treatment by the irradiation time of one treatment. The treatment schedule information 23 is information regarding the schedule of treatments that the target is scheduled to receive. The treatment schedule information 23 may be, for example, the start time and end time of the treatment on the following day, or the start date and end date of the treatment in the following week or month, which is the next treatment cycle.

[0041] Furthermore, the light irradiation device 1a may, if necessary, receive stored information from the target information management unit 20.

[0042] In this way, the target information management unit 20 can manage the treatment history information 22 and the treatment schedule information 23 for each target by associating the target identification information 21, the treatment history information 22, and the treatment schedule information 23 for each target.

[0043] <Presentation part 13> The presentation unit 13 presents the treatment history information 22 to the target information. The presentation unit 13 may be, for example, a display for displaying text or a speaker for emitting sound. Figure 6 shows an example of a presentation screen 110 presented on the presentation unit 13, where the presentation unit 13 is a display. The presentation screen 110 may display "Target ID" as identification information 21 and "Number of Treatment Days" as treatment history information 22. In addition, the presentation unit 13 may present information regarding the scheduled end time of the treatment currently being received to the target, along with the treatment history information 22. The information regarding the scheduled end time may be the scheduled end time or the remaining time until the scheduled end time. For example, the presentation screen 110 presented on the presentation unit 13 may show the remaining time until the scheduled end time of the treatment currently being received, such as "Today's irradiation time remaining: 00:04:00".

[0044] <Distance measurement unit 14> The distance measuring unit 14 measures the distance between the illumination unit 11 and the target eye. In order to obtain the pain relief effect, it is necessary that light of a predetermined illuminance is irradiated onto the target eye. For this to happen, the illumination unit 11 and the target eye must be at an appropriate distance. The distance measuring unit 14 is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the distance between the illumination unit 11 and the target eye, but an infrared camera is one example. This allows the distance between the illumination unit 11 and the target eye to be measured.

[0045] Furthermore, based on the results from the distance measurement unit 14, the presentation unit 13 may display a presentation screen instructing the target to move a predetermined part of their body. For example, when irradiating the target's eyes, the presentation unit 13 may display a presentation screen instructing the target to change the position of their head or face in order to appropriately adjust the distance between the irradiation unit 11 and the target's eyes. Alternatively, the presentation unit 13 may display a presentation screen instructing the target to change their posture in order to appropriately adjust the distance between the irradiation unit 11 and the target's eyes. The control unit 10 may control the presentation unit 13 to display the presentation screen. Figure 7 shows an example of a presentation screen 111 displayed on the presentation unit 13, where the presentation unit 13 is a display. For example, the presentation screen 111 may display the message, "Please bring your face a little closer." In this way, by the presentation unit 13 displaying a presentation screen instructing the target to move a predetermined part of their body, it is possible to encourage the target to move their face closer to the irradiation unit 11. According to this, the distance between the irradiating unit 11 and the target eye is appropriately adjusted, and the irradiating unit 11 can irradiate the target eye with light of an appropriate illuminance.

[0046] <Communications Department 18> The communication unit 18 communicates with an external communication device 3 of the light irradiation device 1. The communication device 3 is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of communicating with the light irradiation device 1, but for example, the communication device 3 may be a PC, tablet, smartphone, etc. Alternatively, the communication device 3 may be a PC that has the function of communicating directly only with the light irradiation device 1. For example, the communication device 3 may be a communication device 3 owned by the subject. The communication unit 18 may also transmit the treatment schedule information 23 managed by the subject information management unit 20 to the target's communication device 3 corresponding to the treatment schedule information. Figure 8 is an example of treatment schedule information 23 transmitted from the communication unit 18 and displayed on the screen of the target's communication device 3. The communication device 3 is, as an example, a smartphone owned by the subject. Information to notify the subject of the treatment schedule is displayed on the screen of the smartphone as treatment schedule information 23. For example, the smartphone screen displays the message, "Today's scheduled irradiation start time is 7 PM." The communications unit 18 transmits the scheduled action information 23 to the target communications device, allowing the target to be aware of the scheduled action and ensure they receive it without forgetting.

[0047] <Illuminance sensor 16> The illuminance sensor 16 is a sensor that detects illuminance. As mentioned in the section on the distance measurement unit 14, in order to obtain the pain relief effect, it is necessary for light of a predetermined illuminance to be shone on the target's eye. For this reason, the illuminance sensor 16 may be attached to a location close to the target's eye and detect the illuminance at a location close to the eye. In Figure 4, as an example, the illuminance sensor 16 is attached to the frame of eyeglasses. The form of the illuminance sensor 16 is not limited to this; for example, it may be attached directly to the target's skin, or the target may wear a hat to which the illuminance sensor 16 is attached.

[0048] The distance measuring unit 14 may measure the distance between the illumination unit 11 and the target eye based on the detected illumination detected by the illumination sensor 16. This allows the distance between the illumination unit 11 and the target eye to be measured.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 10 may adjust the output of the irradiation unit 11 based on the detected illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 16. This ensures that the target eye is illuminated with light of an appropriate illuminance.

[0050] [Embodiment 3] Other embodiments of this disclosure are described below. For convenience of explanation, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0051] While Embodiments 1 and 2 described a light irradiation system equipped with a stationary light irradiation device, this embodiment describes a light irradiation system 100b equipped with a wearable light irradiation device.

[0052] This embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the light irradiation system 100b according to Embodiment 3.

[0053] The light irradiation system 100b includes a light irradiation device 1b. The light irradiation device 1b includes a control unit 10b, an irradiation unit 11, a time measurement unit 12, and a shielding mechanism 17. The light irradiation device 1b may also include a moving mechanism 15.

[0054] <Shielding mechanism 17> The shielding mechanism 17 may reduce the illuminance of light different from the irradiated light, or the illuminance of light in a wavelength band different from a predetermined wavelength band that is included in the light different from the irradiated light. Here, light different from the irradiated light may be, for example, sunlight and light from indoor lighting.

[0055] The shielding mechanism 17 may be made of a light-shielding cloth or resin, or it may be made of a light-shielding or light-reflective metal. Alternatively, the shielding mechanism 17 may be equipped with an optical filter that selectively transmits light in a predetermined wavelength band and does not transmit light in wavelength bands other than the predetermined wavelength band. If the shielding mechanism 17 is made of a light-shielding material, the shielding mechanism 17 can reduce the illuminance of light from outside the light irradiation device 1b across the entire wavelength band. Furthermore, if the shielding mechanism 17 is made of a material that selectively transmits light in a predetermined wavelength band and does not transmit light in wavelength bands other than the predetermined wavelength band, the shielding mechanism 17 can reduce the illuminance of light in wavelength bands other than the predetermined wavelength band that is included in the light from outside the light irradiation device 1b. As a result, when the shielding mechanism 17 irradiates the target eye with irradiation light in a predetermined wavelength band, it can reduce the illuminance of light in wavelength bands other than the irradiation light that reaches the target eye. If the shielding mechanism 17 is made of a light-reflective material, it can reduce the amount of light coming from outside the light irradiation device 1b, while also reflecting the light from inside the light irradiation device 1b back onto the object being irradiated.

[0056] The shielding mechanism 17 should be positioned so that there is no gap between the object to which the light irradiation device 1b is attached and the light irradiation device 1b. The shielding mechanism 17 may be integrated with the light irradiation device 1b or it may be a separate component.

[0057] The shielding mechanism 17 may have a goggle-like shape that covers the entire frame portion of the light irradiation device 1b, as shown in Figure 9. In this case, the shielding mechanism 17 can cover the frame portion of the light irradiation device 1b. This prevents light from outside the light irradiation device 1b from entering through the gap between the target's forehead, temples, cheeks, and nose and the light irradiation device 1b and reaching the target's eyes. Alternatively, the shielding mechanism 17 may be configured to cover the entire head of the target. Furthermore, the target or the head of the target wearing the light irradiation device 1b shown in Figure 9 may be covered by a separate shielding mechanism 17.

[0058] The shielding mechanism 17 shown in Figure 9 shields light from reaching both eyes of the subject from outside the light irradiation device 1b, but is not limited to this. For example, the light irradiation device 1b may be configured to include a shielding mechanism 17 for the right eye and a shielding mechanism 17 for the left eye. In this case, if the irradiation light is irradiating one eye of the subject, only the shielding mechanism 17 on that side may be used. With this configuration, the field of view of the eye that is not irradiated with the light is not obstructed by the shielding mechanism 17. As a result, the subject can see the surrounding situation with the eye that is not irradiated with the light.

[0059] <Movement mechanism 15> Furthermore, the light irradiation device 1b may be equipped with a moving mechanism 15 for adjusting the position of the irradiation unit 11. The moving mechanism 15 is a mechanism provided to move the position of the irradiation unit 11 so that the light from the irradiation unit 11 can be directed towards the target eye, particularly the pupil.

[0060] The moving mechanism 15 may have any configuration as long as it is possible to change the position of the illumination unit 11 relative to the position of the pupil of the target eye. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the moving mechanism 15 may include a holding unit 151 that holds the illumination unit 11 at the first end 1511, and a guide rail 152 for the holding unit 151 to move in the X-axis direction (left-right direction).

[0061] The guide rail 152 may be, for example, a groove provided on the upper part of the frame of the light irradiation device 1b. The second end 1512 of the holding portion 151, opposite to the first end 1511, may slidably abut against the inner surface of the groove. This allows the holding portion 151 to move along the guide rail 152 in the X-axis direction.

[0062] Furthermore, the moving mechanism 15 may be capable of moving the position of the irradiation unit 11 in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). For example, the holding unit 151 may have a structure that is extendable and retractable in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, a fixing member (not shown) that fixes the irradiation unit 11 to the holding unit 151 may be slidable along the holding unit 151, and the irradiation unit 11 may be movable along the holding unit 151.

[0063] For example, medical professionals such as doctors and nurses in charge of the patient (or the patient themselves) can manually change the position of the irradiation unit 11 along the guide rail 152.

[0064] By incorporating the moving mechanism 15, the light irradiation device 1b can accurately irradiate the target eye, particularly the pupil, and deliver the irradiated light to the fovea of ​​the retina.

[0065] [Summary 1] A light irradiation system according to embodiment 1A of the present invention comprises an irradiation unit that irradiates a predetermined wavelength band of light onto a predetermined part of the target body, a time measurement unit that measures the irradiation time of the irradiation light in one treatment, and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit, wherein the control unit controls the irradiation time to be less than 8 hours.

[0066] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 2A of the present invention, the predetermined part of the target body in embodiment 1A may be at least one of the eyes and ears.

[0067] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 3A of the present invention, the length of the treatment time may be 0.5 hours or more in embodiment 1A or 2A.

[0068] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 4A of the present invention, the length of the treatment time may be 4 hours or less in any of embodiments 1A to 3A.

[0069] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 5A of the present invention, the length of the treatment time may be 2 hours or less in any of embodiments 1A to 3A.

[0070] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 6A of the present invention, the length of the treatment time may be 1 hour or less in any of embodiments 1A to 3A above.

[0071] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 7A of the present invention, the length of the treatment time may be 0.5 hours in any of embodiments 1A to 3A.

[0072] A light irradiation system according to embodiment 8A of the present invention may further include, in any of embodiments 1A to 7A, an object information management unit that manages object identification information and treatment history information including the irradiation time and the number of treatments received by the object, in association with each object, and a presentation unit that presents the treatment history information to the object corresponding to the treatment history information.

[0073] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 9A of the present invention, in embodiment 8A, the display unit may display to each target the scheduled end time of the treatment currently being received by that target.

[0074] The light irradiation system according to embodiment 10A of the present invention includes a communication unit for communicating with the target's communication device, and the target information management unit manages the identification information of the target, treatment history information including the irradiation time and number of times in the treatment received by the target, and treatment schedule information relating to the schedule of the treatment to be received by the target, and may transmit the treatment schedule information to the target's communication device corresponding to the treatment schedule information.

[0075] A light irradiation system according to embodiment 11A of the present invention further comprises a distance measuring unit for measuring the distance between the irradiation unit and the eye of the target, and the display unit may display a display screen for instructing the target to move the position of a predetermined part of the body according to the distance.

[0076] The light irradiation system according to embodiment 12A of the present invention is further provided in embodiment 11A with an illuminance sensor for attaching to the target, and the distance measuring unit may measure the distance between the irradiation unit and the target's eye based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor.

[0077] The light irradiation system according to embodiment 13A of the present invention includes an illuminance sensor for the target in embodiment 11A or 12A, and the control unit may adjust the output of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor.

[0078] The light irradiation system according to embodiment 14A of the present invention may further include a shielding mechanism in any of embodiments 1A to 13A that reduces the illuminance of light different from the irradiation light, and which has a wavelength band different from at least the predetermined wavelength band.

[0079] A light irradiation device according to embodiment 15A of the present invention comprises an irradiation unit that irradiates a predetermined wavelength band of light onto a predetermined part of the target body, a time measurement unit that measures the irradiation time of the irradiation light in one treatment, and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit, wherein the control unit controls the irradiation time to be less than 8 hours.

[0080] A control method for a light irradiation system according to embodiment 16A of the present invention includes an irradiation step of irradiating a predetermined wavelength band of light onto a predetermined part of the target body; a time measurement step of measuring the irradiation time of the irradiated light in one treatment; and an irradiation time control step of controlling the irradiation time so that it is less than 8 hours.

[0081] [Embodiment 4] (Configuration of the light irradiation system 100c) The configuration of the light irradiation system 100c according to one aspect of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is an external view showing an example of the configuration of the light irradiation system 100c according to one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the main components of the light irradiation system 100c according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure.

[0082] The light irradiation system 100c includes a light irradiation device 1c, which is a device for irradiating the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength range. The light irradiation device 1c may be a stationary device. In the light irradiation system 100c shown in Figure 10, the light irradiation device 1c is, as an example, a stationary device.

[0083] The subject may, for example, be seated facing the light irradiation device 1c and be irradiated with light in a predetermined wavelength band. Hereafter, irradiating the subject with light will also be referred to as "treatment" or "procedure." The subject may also wear glasses equipped with an illuminance information acquisition unit 42. In this case, the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 can acquire illuminance information indicating the illuminance near the subject's eyes due to the light irradiated from the light irradiation device 1. As described above, the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 may be provided in something that the subject can wear, or it may be provided in the chair on which the subject sits. It may acquire the illuminance near the subject's eyes.

[0084] The illuminance of the light shining on the target's eyes depends, for example, on the target's seating position and posture. As mentioned above, when the target is wearing glasses equipped with the illuminance information acquisition unit 42, if the light illuminance is below a predetermined level, this may occur, for example, when the target is sitting deeply in the backrest and far from the illuminating unit 11, or when the target is looking down. The target information output unit 33 outputs information prompting a change in the target's state if the light illuminance is below a predetermined level. Details of the target information output unit 33 will be described later.

[0085] The light irradiation system 100c shown in Figure 10 may be installed in, for example, a medical institution, or it may be installed in the subject's home.

[0086] Next, the configuration of the light irradiation system 100c will be described using Figure 11. As shown in Figure 2, the light irradiation system 100c comprises a light irradiation device 1c, an illuminance information acquisition unit 42, and a shielding mechanism 17a.

[0087] <Illuminance information acquisition unit 42> The illuminance information acquisition unit 42 is positioned opposite the irradiation unit 11a and acquires illuminance information indicating the illuminance of light. Here, the illuminance information may be a measured value of the illuminance, or it may be a determination result of determining whether the measured illuminance is within a predetermined range. Alternatively, the illuminance information may be an estimated value obtained by estimating the illuminance of the light reaching the target retina based on the measured illuminance. The illuminance information acquisition unit 42 may be, for example, an illuminance sensor. The type of illuminance sensor is not particularly limited, but it may use a phototransistor, a photodiode, or a photodiode with an amplifier circuit added.

[0088] <Light irradiation device 1c> The light irradiation device 1c comprises an irradiation unit 11a and a control unit 10c. The control unit 10c comprises a target information output unit 33, an irradiation control unit 34, and a time measurement unit 12a.

[0089] [Irradiation section 11a] The irradiation unit 11a irradiates the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band. The irradiation unit 11a may be equipped with a plurality of light-emitting elements. The plurality of light-emitting elements may be, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and semiconductor lasers (LDs). By using these light-emitting elements, the irradiation unit 11a can selectively irradiate monochromatic light with a narrow wavelength width of emission wavelength.

[0090] [Light-emitting element of the irradiation unit 11a] The irradiation unit 11a has multiple light-emitting elements that emit light of a predetermined wavelength, and these multiple light-emitting elements may be arranged in a grid. Figure 12 shows an example of an irradiation unit 11a in which multiple light-emitting elements 112 are arranged. In the irradiation unit 11a of Figure 12, as an example, 150 light-emitting elements are arranged, but the number of light-emitting elements is not limited to this. The multiple light-emitting elements may be the same monochromatic element; for example, only green light-emitting elements may be arranged. Alternatively, red, green, and blue light-emitting elements may be arranged. This makes it possible to emit light in a predetermined wavelength band. Control of the light-emitting elements will be described in the description of the irradiation control unit 34.

[0091] [Illuminance] The predetermined illuminance of the light emitted by the irradiation unit 11c may be between 4 and 110 Lux. If the illuminance of the light is within the above range, it can provide pain relief to the target.

[0092] [Target Information Output Unit 33] The target information output unit 33 outputs information prompting a change in the target's state when the light intensity is below a predetermined intensity. The information prompting a change in the target's state is information that directs the target's face towards the illumination unit 11a, or information that brings the target's face closer to the illumination unit 11a. The target information output unit 33 may be a speaker that outputs sounds such as alarms, announcements, or music, or it may be a display that shows characters, numbers, and pictures.

[0093] If the target information output unit 33 is a speaker, a warning sound or alarm may be output if the light intensity is below a predetermined level. The target information output unit 33 may also output voice announcements such as "The light is not properly illuminating the subject," "Please lift your head," "Please straighten your back," or "Please bring your face closer." Furthermore, if the light intensity fluctuates, sometimes falling below a predetermined level and sometimes exceeding a predetermined level, the target information output unit 33 may output an announcement such as "Please wake up" or an alarm sound, as the subject may be asleep. This allows the subject to know that the light is not properly illuminating the subject and to correct their posture or bring their face closer so that the light is properly illuminating the subject. In addition, if the target information output unit 33 is a speaker, music may be output when the light intensity is above a predetermined level, and the music playback may be interrupted when the light intensity falls below a predetermined level. This allows the subject to be made aware of correcting their posture or facing the illumination unit 11a so that the music playback is not interrupted.

[0094] If the target information output unit 33 is a display and the light intensity is below a predetermined level, it may display text such as "The light is not properly illuminating the device," "Please raise your head," "Please straighten your back," or "Please bring your face closer." The target information output unit 33 may also display pictures along with the text. The light irradiation device 1c may be equipped with both the speaker and the display as described above as the target information output unit 33.

[0095] The timing at which the target information output unit 33 outputs information may be, for example, when the time below a predetermined illuminance continues for several tens of seconds. The time below the predetermined illuminance may be measured, for example, by the time measurement unit 12a described later. The target information output unit 33 may, for example, acquire information that the illuminance of the light is below a predetermined illuminance from the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 described above. In this case, the target information output unit 33 and the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 may be connected in a way that enables communication by wireless communication or wired communication.

[0096] Figures 10 and 11 show a configuration in which the light irradiation device 1c is equipped with a target information output unit 33 and outputs information prompting a change in the target, but the device is not limited to this. For example, a device other than the light irradiation device 1c may output information prompting a change in the target's state. For example, the glasses worn by the target in Figure 10 may be equipped with a target information output unit 33. In this case, the target information output unit 33 may output information prompting a change in the target's state through sound and vibration. This allows the target information output unit 33 to output information prompting a change in the target's state at a location close to the target, so that the target can pay attention to the information.

[0097] It is assumed that the subject receives treatment in a private room, with medical personnel present outside the room. The subject may not notice the output from the subject information output unit 33, or may be asleep. Therefore, the information prompting a change in the subject's condition may also be output from the communication equipment used by the medical personnel. In this case, the light irradiation device 1c may send an output instruction to the communication equipment used by the medical personnel instructing it to output information prompting a change in the subject's condition. This allows the medical personnel to receive information prompting a change in the subject's condition. Furthermore, even if the subject does not notice the output from the subject information output unit 33, the medical personnel can directly prompt the subject to change in condition.

[0098] [Irradiation control unit 34] The irradiation control unit 34 may adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the irradiation unit 11a based on illuminance information. For example, the irradiation control unit 34 may increase the intensity of the light emitted from the irradiation unit 11a based on illuminance information indicating that the illuminance is below a predetermined level. Furthermore, if the illuminance remains below a predetermined level despite the irradiation control unit 34 increasing the intensity of the light emitted from the irradiation unit 11a, the system may be configured to output information from the target information output unit 33.

[0099] Before commencing treatment, the subject may be seated in a predetermined position to acquire illuminance information, and based on the acquired illuminance information, the irradiation control unit 34 may determine the intensity of the light emitted from the irradiation unit 11a. Alternatively, before the irradiation control unit 34 determines the light intensity, the subject information output unit 33 may output information prompting changes to the angle, height, etc., of the light irradiation device 1c.

[0100] The intensity of the light depends on the number of light-emitting elements and the magnitude of the current supplied to the light-emitting elements. The irradiation control unit 34 may cause at least one of the multiple light-emitting elements provided in the irradiation unit 11a to emit light. In this way, the irradiation control unit 34 can irradiate light from the irradiation unit 11a by causing the light-emitting elements to emit light.

[0101] The irradiation control unit 34 may adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the irradiation unit 11a by controlling the number of light-emitting elements (hereinafter also simply referred to as "elements") among the multiple light-emitting elements arranged in the irradiation unit 11a. The control of the number of light-emitting elements performed by the irradiation control unit 34 will be explained using Figure 12, which was also explained in [Light-emitting elements of the irradiation unit 11a]. Among the multiple light-emitting elements 112 arranged in the irradiation unit 11a in Figure 12, as an example, the white light-emitting elements 112 are light-emitting elements, and the black light-emitting elements 112 are non-light-emitting elements. For example, if a predetermined illuminance can be secured by emitting light from 137 out of 150 elements arranged in the irradiation unit 11a, the irradiation control unit 34 may make 137 elements emit light as shown in Figure 12. In this way, the intensity of the light emitted from the irradiation unit 11a can be adjusted by controlling the number of light-emitting elements that the irradiation control unit 34 makes emit light. In addition, a predetermined illuminance can be secured by doing so. Furthermore, the irradiation control unit 34 may also adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the irradiation unit 11a by changing the magnitude of the current supplied to the light-emitting elements.

[0102] Furthermore, the irradiation control unit 34 may display an object composed of light-emitting and non-light-emitting elements on the irradiation unit 11a by controlling the arrangement of the light-emitting elements that are to be emitted from among the multiple arranged light-emitting elements. The object is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a letter, a number, or a picture. In Figure 12, as an example, the letter "T" of the alphabet is displayed by a non-light-emitting light-emitting element 112.

[0103] The object displayed on the irradiation unit 11a may differ from unit time to unit time. Figure 13 shows an example of an irradiation unit 11a in which multiple light-emitting elements 112 are arranged. The irradiation unit 11a in Figure 13 has 150 light-emitting elements 112 arranged, similar to the irradiation unit 11a in Figure 12. As shown in Figure 13, the irradiation unit 11a displays the letter "E" using light-emitting elements 112 that are not emitting light. For example, the letter "T" may be displayed as in the irradiation unit 11a in Figure 12, and then the letter "E" may be displayed as in the irradiation unit 11a in Figure 13. In this way, the irradiation control unit 34 can display an object on the irradiation unit 11a by controlling the arrangement of the light-emitting elements among the multiple arranged light-emitting elements. Furthermore, by displaying an object in addition to simply irradiating with light, the irradiation unit 11a can help maintain the concentration of the person receiving treatment.

[0104] Furthermore, even if the object displayed on the irradiation unit 11a changes every unit of time, the irradiation control unit 34 may control the number of light-emitting elements 112 that emit light. Here, although the object displayed is different between the irradiation unit 11a in Figure 12 and the irradiation unit 11a in Figure 13, the number of light-emitting elements 112 that emit light is 137 in both cases. In this way, by controlling the number of light-emitting elements 112 that emit light with the irradiation control unit 34, a predetermined illuminance can be maintained during the procedure.

[0105] [Example of an object] The object that the irradiation control unit 34 displays on the irradiation unit 11a is not particularly limited, but may be a still image, a video, a message, etc. The message may include, for example, letters, numbers, and symbols. Various objects can be used to maintain the subject's concentration during the procedure and to help the subject relax during the procedure.

[0106] Figure 14 shows an example of objects displayed on the illumination unit 11a. In the illumination unit 11a of Figure 14, as an example, objects 113 representing the weather in text, 114 representing the weather in picture form, and 115 representing the remaining time for treatment are displayed. These characters, pictures, and numbers may be represented by light-emitting and non-light-emitting elements among the multiple light-emitting elements 112, as described above. From the viewpoint of illuminating the target's eye with sufficient light, for example, the parts of the characters, pictures, and numbers in Figure 14 may be represented by non-light-emitting elements, and the background parts of the characters, pictures, and numbers may be represented by light-emitting elements. Furthermore, if the proportion of displayed objects is large relative to the area of ​​the illumination unit 11a, the elements representing the objects may be made to emit light, while the elements representing the background may not emit light. This makes it possible to maintain a predetermined illuminance.

[0107] The objects that the irradiation control unit 34 displays on the irradiation unit 11a may also be, for example, news articles, novels, or animations. These objects may be changed every unit of time. Alternatively, the device may be configured to allow the subject to select which object to display before the procedure. This can attract the subject's attention and naturally cause them to turn their face towards the irradiation unit 11a. It can also help the subject relax. In addition, sounds, music, etc., that match these objects may be played from the speaker.

[0108] As described above, the irradiation unit 11a may be a display capable of showing characters, pictures, numbers, etc., and therefore the irradiation unit 11a may display information prompting a change in the state of the target.

[0109] The irradiation control unit 34 may control the ratio of light-emitting elements to non-light-emitting elements to deliver light with an illuminance of a predetermined level or higher to the target's eye, regardless of what object is displayed on the irradiation unit 11a. This allows for stable irradiation of the target's eye with light in a predetermined wavelength range.

[0110] [Time measurement unit 12a] In this embodiment, the irradiation time is the time during which the illuminance of the light is above a predetermined illuminance, and the time measurement unit 12a measures the time during which the illuminance of the light is above a predetermined illuminance as the irradiation time, based on the illuminance information. The time measurement unit 12a may be, for example, a timer. For example, the time measurement unit 12a may start measuring time from the time when the irradiation unit 11a starts irradiating light. The time measurement unit 12a may be configured to measure time only when the illuminance of the light is above a predetermined illuminance, and not measure time when the illuminance of the light is below a predetermined illuminance. Alternatively, the time measurement unit 12a may be configured to measure the time when the illuminance of the light is above a predetermined illuminance and the time when the illuminance of the light is below a predetermined illuminance, respectively. Furthermore, the time during which the illuminance of the light is above a predetermined illuminance may be stored as an integrated time in, for example, a target database (not shown) for each target. This allows for the management of irradiation time for each target.

[0111] Furthermore, the time measurement unit 12a may terminate the irradiation of the irradiation unit 11a when the length of the irradiation time reaches a predetermined time. The predetermined time will be explained later in [Predetermined Irradiation Time]. Also, at the end of the procedure, the subject information output unit 33 may make an announcement to inform the subject that the procedure is finished, or the control unit 10c may turn on the room lights. With this, the subject does not need to measure the time themselves, and light is irradiated for a sufficient amount of time to exert the pain relief effect.

[0112] [Specified irradiation time] The length of the prescribed time during which light is applied may be 0.5 hours or more but less than 8 hours. Furthermore, the upper limit of the prescribed time may be 7.5 hours or less, 4 hours or less, 2 hours or less, or 1 hour or less. This reduces the time the subject is restrained by the treatment involving light application, thereby minimizing the physical and mental burden on the subject.

[0113] Furthermore, the lower limit of the prescribed duration may be 30 minutes or more, or 1 hour or more. This allows for pain relief to be achieved in the subject.

[0114] <Shielding mechanism 17a> The shielding mechanism 17a may reduce the illuminance of light in wavelengths different from at least a predetermined wavelength band, which is contained in light different from the light emitted by the light irradiation device 1c. Here, light different from the irradiated light may be, for example, sunlight and light from indoor lighting.

[0115] The shielding mechanism 17a may be made of light-shielding cloth or resin, or of light-shielding or light-reflective metal. This allows the shielding mechanism 17a to reduce the illuminance of light from outside the light irradiation device 1 across the entire wavelength range. Specifically, the shielding mechanism 17a may be a curtain or a darkroom. If the indoor lighting can be turned off, a shielding mechanism is not necessarily required.

[0116] (Control method performed by the light irradiation system 100c) Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control method performed by the light irradiation system 100c according to this embodiment.

[0117] In S11, first, the irradiation unit 11a irradiates the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band (irradiation step).

[0118] In S12, the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 acquires illuminance information (illuminance information acquisition step).

[0119] In S13, if the illuminance is below a predetermined level, the target information output unit 33 outputs information prompting a change in the target's state (information output step).

[0120] According to the control method described above, the irradiation unit 11a irradiates the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band, the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 acquires illuminance information, and if the illuminance is below the predetermined level, the target information output unit 33 can output information prompting a change in the target's state. As a result, the light irradiation system 100c can stably irradiate the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band. Therefore, according to the control method described above, for example, it is possible to irradiate the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band that effectively affects the target's mind and body.

[0121] [Embodiment 5] Other embodiments of this disclosure are described below. For convenience of explanation, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0122] (Configuration of light irradiation device 1d) The light irradiation system 100c according to Embodiment 4 was configured such that the illuminance information acquisition unit 42 acquired illuminance information indicating the illuminance of the light, and if the illuminance of the light was below a predetermined illuminance, it would output information prompting a change in the state of the target. Furthermore, the light irradiation device 1c according to Embodiment 4 included an irradiation unit 11a, a target information output unit 33, an irradiation control unit 34, and a time measurement unit 12a.

[0123] The light irradiation device 1d according to this embodiment may be a stationary light irradiation device, similar to Embodiment 4, and the subject can receive treatment while, for example, sitting in a chair.

[0124] The light irradiation device 1d according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the light irradiation device 1d according to Embodiment 5.

[0125] As shown in Figure 16, the light irradiation device 1d according to this embodiment comprises an irradiation unit 11a and a control unit 10d. The control unit 10d further comprises a distance measurement unit 37 and an illuminance calculation unit 38, in addition to a target information output unit 33 and an irradiation control unit 34.

[0126] The light irradiation device 1d according to this embodiment includes a distance measurement unit 37 and an illuminance calculation unit 38, enabling the calculation of illuminance even without an illuminance information acquisition unit 42 on the target side. As a result, only the light irradiation device 1d needs to be used for treatment, and there is no need to provide a separate illuminance information acquisition unit 42 on the target side. For example, there is no need to attach glasses or the like equipped with an illuminance information acquisition unit 42 to the target.

[0127] [Distance measurement unit 37] The distance measuring unit 37 identifies the position of the target's eye based on the image of the target and measures the distance from the illumination unit 11a. In other words, the distance measuring unit 37 measures the distance between the target's eye and the illumination unit 11a. The image of the target can be acquired, for example, by an infrared camera, which may be provided by the light illumination device 1d or may be provided separately from the light illumination device 1d. Furthermore, the image captured may be a moving image in order to identify the position of the target's eye in real time.

[0128] The method by which the distance measuring unit 37 determines the position of the target eye is not particularly limited, and known methods may be applied. For example, the distance measuring unit 37 may determine the position of the eye by detecting the pupil based on the difference between reflected light from illumination at different angles. The distance measuring unit 37 may calculate the distance from the illumination unit 11a based on the position of the eye in the image and the size of the eye.

[0129] The distance measuring unit 37 may perform a calibration process before starting the procedure by having the subject sit at a predetermined distance from the irradiation unit 11a, acquiring an image of the subject, and setting the position of the subject's eyes in the acquired image as the reference position. This allows for accurate distance measurement for each subject.

[0130] [Illuminance calculation unit 38] The illuminance calculation unit 38 calculates the illuminance of light at or near the target eye based on the distance measured by the distance measurement unit 37 and the intensity of light emitted from the illumination unit 11a. The illuminance calculation unit 38 may also store information, i.e., a relational formula, in advance that shows the correspondence between distance and the intensity of light emitted from the illumination unit 11a, and calculate the illuminance of light from distance and light intensity based on this information.

[0131] (Control method performed by the light irradiation device 1d) Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control method performed by the light irradiation device 1d according to this embodiment.

[0132] In S21, first, the irradiation unit 11a irradiates the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band (irradiation step).

[0133] In S22, the distance measuring unit 37 identifies the position of the target's eye based on the image of the target and measures the distance from the illumination unit 11a (distance measurement step).

[0134] In S23, the illuminance calculation unit 38 calculates the illuminance of the irradiated light at or near the target eye based on the distance and the intensity of the irradiated light emitted from the irradiation unit 11a (illuminance calculation step).

[0135] In S24, the target information output unit 33 outputs information prompting a change in the state of the target if the illuminance of the irradiated light in or near the target eye is below a predetermined illuminance (target information output step).

[0136] According to the control method described above, the irradiation unit 11a irradiates the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band, the distance measurement unit 37 measures the distance from the irradiation unit 11a, the illuminance calculation unit 38 calculates the illuminance of the irradiated light, and the target information output unit 33 outputs information that prompts a change in the target's state. As a result, the light irradiation system 100d can stably irradiate the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band. Therefore, according to the control method described above, for example, it is possible to irradiate the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band that effectively affects the target's mind and body.

[0137] [Variation] In Embodiment 5, the distance measuring unit 37 identified the position of the target's eyes based on the image of the target captured. The control unit 10d may, for example, identify the target based on the target's face or eyes in the image of the target captured. For example, a table associating the target's face image with the target ID may be stored in the target database beforehand. If the control unit 10d finds that the face image of the target about to receive treatment matches an image in the target database, it may assign the corresponding ID from the target database to the target about to receive treatment. This eliminates the need for the target or administrator (medical professional) to input the target ID.

[0138] Furthermore, the target database may store treatment history for each target, including past irradiation time, date, illuminance, and cumulative illuminance. The control unit 10d may manage treatment for each target based on the treatment history in these target databases. For example, when a target about to receive treatment sits in front of the light irradiation device 1d, the control unit 10d may identify the target ID corresponding to that target as described above, and set the irradiation time, illuminance, etc., based on the treatment history corresponding to the target ID, and start the treatment. This ensures that appropriate light irradiation is applied to each target, providing them with pain relief.

[0139] [Summary 2] A light irradiation system according to embodiment 1B of the present invention comprises: an irradiation unit that irradiates the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band; an illuminance information acquisition unit positioned opposite the irradiation unit and acquiring illuminance information indicating the illuminance of the light; and a target information output unit that outputs information prompting a change in the state of the target when the illuminance of the light is less than a predetermined illuminance.

[0140] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 2B of the present invention, in embodiment 1B, the information prompting a change in the state of the target may be information that causes the target's face to face towards the irradiation unit, or information that causes the target's face to move closer to the irradiation unit.

[0141] The light irradiation system according to embodiment 3B of the present invention may include an irradiation control unit that adjusts the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit based on the illuminance information, as described in embodiment 1B or 2B above.

[0142] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 4B of the present invention, in embodiment 3B, the irradiation unit has a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light, the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in an array, and the irradiation control unit may cause at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements to emit light.

[0143] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 5B of the present invention, in embodiment 4B, the irradiation control unit may adjust the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit by controlling the number of light-emitting elements among the plurality of arranged light-emitting elements.

[0144] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 6B of the present invention, in embodiment 5B, the irradiation control unit may display an object consisting of light-emitting elements and non-light-emitting elements on the irradiation unit by controlling the arrangement of light-emitting elements among the plurality of arranged light-emitting elements.

[0145] The light irradiation system according to embodiment 7B of the present invention may further include a shielding mechanism in any of embodiments 1B to 6B that reduces the illuminance of light in a wavelength band different from the predetermined wavelength band, which is included in light different from the aforementioned light.

[0146] A light irradiation system according to embodiment 8B of the present invention further comprises a time measurement unit that measures the time during which the illuminance of the light is equal to or greater than a predetermined illuminance, based on the illuminance information, and the irradiation of the irradiation unit may be terminated when the length of the irradiation time reaches a predetermined time.

[0147] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 9B of the present invention, the predetermined wavelength band may be 450 to 600 nm in embodiment 8B.

[0148] In the light irradiation system according to embodiment 10B of the present invention, in embodiment 8B or 9B, the length of the predetermined time may be 0.5 hours or more and less than 8 hours.

[0149] A light irradiation device according to embodiment 11B of the present invention comprises an irradiation unit that irradiates the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength band, and a target information output unit that outputs information prompting a change in the state of the target when the illuminance of the light in or near the target eye is less than a predetermined illuminance.

[0150] A light irradiation device according to embodiment 12B of the present invention comprises: an irradiation unit that irradiates the eye of a target with light in a predetermined wavelength band; a distance measuring unit that identifies the position of the eye of the target and measures the distance from the irradiation unit based on an image of the target; an illuminance calculation unit that calculates the illuminance of the light at or near the eye of the target based on the distance and the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit; and a target information output unit that outputs information prompting a change in the state of the target if the calculated illuminance is below a predetermined illuminance.

[0151] A control method for a light irradiation system according to embodiment 13B of the present invention includes: an irradiation step of irradiating a target eye with light of a predetermined wavelength band; an illuminance information acquisition step of acquiring illuminance information indicating the illuminance of the light in or near the target eye; and a target information output step of outputting information prompting a change in the state of the target if the illuminance of the light in or near the eye is less than a predetermined illuminance.

[0152] A control method for a light irradiation system according to embodiment 14B of the present invention includes: an irradiation step of irradiating the eye of a target with light of a predetermined wavelength band from an irradiation unit; a distance measurement step of identifying the position of the eye of the target and measuring the distance from the irradiation unit based on an image of the target; an illuminance calculation step of calculating the illuminance of the light at or near the eye of the target based on the distance and the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit; and a target information output step of outputting information prompting a change in the state of the target if the illuminance of the light at or near the eye of the target is less than a predetermined illuminance.

[0153] [Examples of implementation using software] The control blocks (control units 10, 10a, 10b, 100c, and 10d) of the light irradiation systems 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d may be implemented by logic circuits (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or by software.

[0154] In the latter case, the light irradiation systems 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d are equipped with a computer that executes instructions for a program, which is software that implements each function. This computer is equipped with, for example, one or more processors and a computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. The object of this disclosure is achieved when the processor reads the program from the recording medium and executes it in the computer. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used as the processor. As the recording medium, a "tangible medium that is not temporary," such as ROM (Read Only Memory), can be used, as well as tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, etc. It may also be equipped with RAM (Random Access Memory) for deploying the program. Furthermore, the program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or broadcast wave) capable of transmitting the program. One aspect of this disclosure can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission. [Examples]

[0155] The following describes the light irradiation test conducted on rats (the subjects).

[0156] <Testing Method> A light irradiation test was conducted on rats (n=5) to investigate the irradiation time. Figure 18 shows the 5-day irradiation schedule for the light irradiation test conducted on rats. Specifically, the schedule in Figure 18 shows the periods when the lights in the rat's enclosure were ON (light period) and OFF (dark period), the timing of light irradiation on the rats, the length of irradiation, and the timing of analgesic effect testing and blood sampling. The test period was 5 days, with the light period from 9:00 to 21:00 and the dark period from 21:00 to 9:00 the following day.

[0157] First, an analgesia test and blood sampling were performed on the rats during a specific time in the light phase on day 1. Then, at a predetermined time in the dark phase, the rats were exposed to light (wavelength: 527 nm, power intensity: 100 Lux) for a predetermined duration. Light irradiation was performed under the same conditions for five consecutive days, and on the day following day 5, an analgesia test and blood sampling were performed in the same manner as on day 1 during the light phase.

[0158] [Analgesic test] Using a Randall-Selitt analgesic effect measurement device (Unicom Co., Ltd., model number K-201), pressure stimulation was applied to the tip of a rat's foot, and the pressure value (mmHg) at which the rat showed an escape response was measured. This was defined as the avoidance response threshold pressure.

[0159] [Analysis of blood enkephalin concentration] The serum enkephalin concentration (pg / mL) in blood samples collected from rats was analyzed. The analysis was performed using the Rat Enkephalin ELISA Kit (LSBio).

[0160] [Statistical analysis] The results of the analgesia test and the analysis of serum enkephalin concentration are shown as mean ± standard error. Student's t-test was performed, with significance levels set at p<0.05 and p<0.01.

[0161] Figure 19 is a graph showing the results of the analgesia test. The graph in Figure 19 shows the continuous light exposure time over 5 days on the horizontal axis and the avoidance threshold pressure (mmHg) of the rats on the vertical axis. A higher avoidance threshold pressure indicates that the rats are less sensitive to pain. In the graph in Figure 11, one asterisk (*) was placed next to the group with p<0.05, and two asterisks were placed next to the group with p<0.01. From the graph in Figure 19, it was found that the rat group exposed to light for 30 minutes had a higher avoidance threshold pressure compared to the control group exposed to light for less than 30 minutes. Furthermore, the rat group exposed to light for 1 hour showed an even higher avoidance threshold pressure, but the avoidance threshold pressure of the rat groups exposed to light for 2, 4, and 8 hours was almost the same as that of the rat group exposed to light for 1 hour. Rather, the avoidance threshold pressure of the rat group exposed to light for 8 hours was lower than that of the rat group exposed to light for 4 hours. From the above findings, it was revealed that light irradiation for 30 minutes or more has a pain-relieving effect on rats. Furthermore, it was found that even light irradiation for less than 8 hours has a sufficient pain-relieving effect on rats.

[0162] Figure 20 is a graph showing the results of the analysis of blood enkephalin concentration. In the graph of Figure 20, the horizontal axis shows the continuous irradiation time when rats were repeatedly irradiated with light for 5 days, and the vertical axis shows the blood enkephalin concentration (pg / mL) of rats. In the graph of Figure 20, one asterisk (*) is placed next to the group where p < 0.05, and two asterisks are placed next to the group where p < 0.01. From the graph of Figure 20, it was found that the group of rats irradiated with light for 30 minutes had a higher blood enkephalin concentration compared to the control group irradiated with light for less than 30 minutes. Also, the blood enkephalin concentration of the group of rats irradiated with light for 1 hour was higher than that of the group irradiated with light for 30 minutes. However, the blood enkephalin concentration tended to decrease in the group of rats irradiated with light for 2 hours or more. From the above, it was found that irradiating with light for 30 minutes or more has a sufficient pain-relieving effect on rats.

[0163] In this embodiment, the pain-relieving effect on rats was demonstrated by light irradiation using the light irradiation system of the present invention. Since the pain-relieving effect that appears when blood enkephalin concentration increases is common not only to rats but to animals in general, it is thought that the light irradiation system of the present invention is applicable to animals in general and will show a pain-relieving effect similar to that in rats.

[0164] The inventions described in this disclosure have been explained above based on the drawings and embodiments. However, the inventions described in this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, the inventions described in this disclosure can be modified in various ways within the scope shown in this disclosure, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the inventions described in this disclosure. In other words, it should be noted that it is easy for those skilled in the art to make various modifications or alterations based on this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are included in the scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d light irradiation device 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d control unit 11, 11a Irradiation section 12, 12a Time measurement section 13 Presentation part 14 Distance measurement unit 16 Illuminance Sensor 18 Communications Department 20. Target Information Management Department 21 Identification Information 22 Treatment History Information 23. Information on planned treatment 42 Illuminance information acquisition section 33 Target Information Output Unit 34 Irradiation control unit 17, 17a Shielding mechanism 37 Distance measurement unit 38 Illuminance Calculation Unit 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d Light Irradiation System

Claims

1. An irradiation unit that irradiates the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength range, An illuminance information acquisition unit is located opposite the irradiation unit and acquires illuminance information indicating the illuminance of the light, A time measurement unit measures the time during which the illuminance of the light is equal to or greater than a predetermined illuminance, based on the illuminance information, The system includes a target information output unit that outputs information prompting a change in the state of the target when the illuminance of the light is below a predetermined illuminance, The information prompting a change in the state of the target is information that causes the target's face to face towards the irradiation unit, or information that causes the target's face to move closer to the irradiation unit. Light irradiation system.

2. The system includes an irradiation control unit that adjusts the intensity of the light emitted from the irradiation unit based on the illuminance information. The light irradiation system according to claim 1.

3. The irradiation unit has a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit the light, The plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in a sequence. The light irradiation system according to claim 2, wherein the irradiation control unit causes at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements to emit light.

4. The light irradiation system according to claim 3, wherein the irradiation control unit adjusts the intensity of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit by controlling the number of the plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a plurality of light-emitting elements that are made to emit light.

5. The light irradiation system according to claim 4, wherein the irradiation control unit controls the arrangement of light-emitting elements among the plurality of arranged light-emitting elements to display an object consisting of light-emitting elements and non-light-emitting elements on the irradiation unit.

6. The system further includes a shielding mechanism that reduces the illuminance of light in wavelengths different from the predetermined wavelength band, which is included in light different from the aforementioned light. The light irradiation system according to claim 1.

7. When the length of the irradiation time reaches a predetermined time, the irradiation of the irradiation unit is terminated. The light irradiation system according to claim 1.

8. The predetermined wavelength band is 450 to 600 nm. The light irradiation system according to claim 7.

9. The length of the aforementioned predetermined time is 0.5 hours or more and less than 8 hours. The light irradiation system according to claim 7 or 8.

10. An irradiation unit that irradiates the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength range, A time measuring unit measures the time during which the illuminance of the light is equal to or greater than a predetermined illuminance, based on the illuminance of the light in or near the eye of the target, as the irradiation time. The system includes a target information output unit that outputs information prompting a change in the state of the target if the illuminance of the light in or near the target's eye is below a predetermined illuminance, The information prompting a change in the state of the target is information that causes the target's face to face towards the irradiation unit, or information that causes the target's face to move closer to the irradiation unit. Light irradiation device.

11. An irradiation unit that irradiates the target eye with light in a predetermined wavelength range, A distance measuring unit that identifies the position of the target's eye based on the image captured of the target and measures the distance from the illumination unit, An illuminance calculation unit calculates the illuminance of the light at or near the target eye based on the distance and the intensity of the light emitted from the irradiation unit. A time measuring unit measures the time during which the illuminance of the light is equal to or greater than a predetermined illuminance, based on the illuminance of the light in or near the eye of the target, as the irradiation time. The system includes a target information output unit that outputs information prompting a change in the state of the target if the calculated illuminance is below a predetermined illuminance. The information prompting a change in the state of the target is information that causes the target's face to face towards the irradiation unit, or information that causes the target's face to move closer to the irradiation unit. Light irradiation device.

12. An irradiation step in which light of a predetermined wavelength band is irradiated onto the target eye from an irradiation unit, Illuminance information acquisition step: Acquire illuminance information indicating the illuminance of the light in or near the eye of the target; A time measurement step in which, based on the illuminance information, the time during which the illuminance of the light is equal to or greater than a predetermined illuminance is measured as the irradiation time, The process includes a target information output step that outputs information prompting a change in the state of the target if the illuminance of the light in or near the eye is below a predetermined illuminance, The information prompting a change in the state of the target is information that causes the target's face to face towards the irradiation unit, or information that causes the target's face to move closer to the irradiation unit. A method for controlling a light irradiation system.

13. An irradiation step in which light of a predetermined wavelength band is irradiated onto the target eye from an irradiation unit, A distance measurement step in which the position of the eye of the subject is identified based on the image of the subject and the distance from the illumination unit is measured, An illuminance calculation step, which calculates the illuminance of the light at or near the eye of the target based on the distance and the intensity of the light emitted from the irradiating unit, A time measurement step in which, based on the illuminance of the light at or near the target eye, the time during which the illuminance of the light is equal to or greater than a predetermined illuminance is measured as the irradiation time, The process includes a target information output step, which outputs information prompting a change in the state of the target if the illuminance of the light in or near the target's eye is below a predetermined illuminance, The information prompting a change in the state of the target is information that causes the target's face to face towards the irradiation unit, or information that causes the target's face to move closer to the irradiation unit. A method for controlling a light irradiation device.

14. A control program for causing a computer to function as a light irradiation system according to claim 1, or as a light irradiation device according to claim 10 or 11.

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