Phototherapy device

Abstract

A phototherapy device (1) comprises: an LED (21) that outputs therapeutic light; a setting input unit (11) for inputting a set irradiation amount of the therapeutic light; a temperature measurement unit (23) that measures the temperature of the LED (21); a temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit (15) that acquires the temperature of the LED (21) and calculates a temperature-corrected light output value based on the measured temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit (23); a cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit (16) that calculates a cumulative irradiation amount by cumulatively summing the product of the temperature-corrected light output value and a predetermined time; a remaining irradiation time calculation unit (17) that calculates a remaining irradiation amount and calculates a remaining irradiation time; and an irradiation end timer (18) that stops the output of the therapeutic light. The temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit (15), the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit (16), and the remaining irradiation time calculation unit (17) repeat calculation processing at predetermined time intervals in response to a timing signal from a reference timer (14).

Description

phototherapy device

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

[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.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-034762 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-130325

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

[0006] Specifically, the irradiation dose for treatment is 1000 mJ / cm ２ When the light output value of the LED is determined to be 100 mW / cm at room temperature of 25°C, ２ However, even if the irradiation time is set to 10.0 seconds as theoretically expected, if the LED ambient temperature is 60°C, the light output value will decrease to 90%, and the actual irradiation amount will be 900 mJ / cm for an irradiation time of 10.0 seconds. ２ This may result in 90% of the initially set irradiation amount.

[0007] The light output control system in Patent Document 1 determines the amount of current required to obtain a light output corresponding to a target value under the current environmental temperature in order to deal with fluctuations in the amount of light emitted according to temperature, but does not take into consideration the effects of temperature rise during irradiation. The phototherapy device in Patent Document 2 does not mention the case where the light source is an LED.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a phototherapy device that can precisely irradiate a set dose.

[0009] a temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the light source; a reference timer for outputting a timing signal at predetermined time intervals from the start of irradiation of the therapeutic light; a temperature-corrected light output value calculating unit for acquiring the temperature of the light source in response to the timing signal and calculating a temperature-corrected light output value, which is a light output value corresponding to the measured temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit, in accordance with the correspondence between the light source temperature and the light output value of the light source at that temperature; a cumulative irradiation amount calculating unit for calculating a cumulative irradiation amount from the start of irradiation of the therapeutic light by accumulating the product of the temperature-corrected light output value and the predetermined time in response to the timing signal; a remaining irradiation time calculating unit for calculating a remaining irradiation amount, which is the difference between the set irradiation amount and the accumulated irradiation amount in response to the timing signal, and calculating the remaining irradiation time by dividing the remaining irradiation amount by the temperature-corrected light output value; and an output stopping unit for stopping the output of the therapeutic light. the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit, the cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit, and the remaining irradiation time calculation unit repeat a series of calculation processes at the predetermined time intervals; and the output stop unit stops outputting the therapeutic light when the remaining irradiation time becomes shorter than the predetermined time.

[0010] According to the present invention, the measured temperature of the light source is acquired at predetermined intervals, and the cumulative irradiation amount is calculated using the temperature-corrected light output value corresponding to the most recent measured temperature, thereby enabling precise calculation of the irradiation stop time. Therefore, even if the temperature of the light source changes during irradiation and the light output value fluctuates, temperature correction can be performed in real time, allowing precise irradiation of the set irradiation amount.

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

[0012] Specific embodiments of the phototherapy device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] 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. The 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.

[0014] The important factor in phototherapy is the amount of light irradiation. In other words, the amount of energy irradiated to 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 too high, 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 can be used to input various operations. 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.

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

[0018] 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 configured, for example, with a liquid crystal panel. For example, the display unit 12 displays the set irradiation dose of therapeutic light input via the setting input unit 11, the irradiation time calculated based on the set irradiation dose, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0027] 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. The irradiation start button 22 is a button that the user can operate to start treatment. Pressing the button outputs an activation signal, and the LED control unit 13 receives the activation signal and controls the LED 21 to output ultraviolet light.

[0028] The temperature measurement unit 23 is a sensor that measures the temperature of the LED 21 and outputs the temperature to the temperature-corrected light output value calculation 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.

[0029] It should be noted 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.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows the temperature (°C) of the LED 21 and the light output value (mW / cm) of the LED 21 in one product A of the phototherapy device 1 according to the embodiment. ２) and the LED temperature. The light output value of an LED is generally uniquely determined by the LED current flowing through the LED and the LED temperature. Since the LED current is predetermined by the current output by the product (in this embodiment, the current controlled by the LED control unit 13), the light output value of the LED relative to the LED temperature is uniquely determined for a specific product.

[0031] Furthermore, the temperature change characteristics of the light output value relative to the temperature change of the LED, i.e., the slope of the graph in Figure 2, are almost uniform among specific LED products. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, for a specific product A, the light output value of the LED is measured in advance at a predetermined reference temperature, the measured value is determined as the reference light output value, and the reference light output value is associated with the reference temperature, which is the light source temperature when the reference light output value was measured.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0038] Then, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16 calculates the cumulative irradiation amount from the start of irradiation of ultraviolet light by the LED 21 by cumulatively adding up the calculated irradiation amounts per unit time (step S8).

[0039] In response to the timing signal output from the reference timer 14, the remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 initially calculates the remaining irradiation amount (= set irradiation amount - cumulative irradiation amount) by subtracting the cumulative irradiation amount calculated by the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16 from the set irradiation amount input from the setting input unit 11 (step S9). The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation time by dividing the remaining irradiation amount by the temperature corrected light output value calculated by the temperature corrected light output value calculation unit 15, here the most recent temperature corrected light output value in the calculation process (step S10 in FIG. 3).

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

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

[0042] According to this embodiment, the temperature of the LED 21 is measured at predetermined intervals, and the cumulative irradiation amount is calculated using the temperature-corrected light output value corresponding to the most recent measured temperature, thereby enabling precise calculation of the irradiation stop time. Therefore, even if the temperature of the LED 21 changes during irradiation and the light output value fluctuates, temperature correction can be performed in real time, allowing precise irradiation at the set irradiation amount.

[0043] In phototherapy, the amount of energy of light irradiated onto the skin is important, and the "irradiation dose" during treatment must be strictly controlled based on the mechanism of action determined for each treatment subject (disease) in the clinical trial and the patient's condition. If the "irradiation dose" is excessive, there is concern about side effects. On the other hand, if the "irradiation dose" is low, the therapeutic effect may be reduced or even eliminated.

[0044] In such phototherapy, the phototherapy device 1 according to the embodiment can be used to precisely irradiate a set irradiation amount, which is effective in phototherapy.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the temperature (°C) of the LED 21 and the light output value (mW / cm) of the LED 21 in three products A, B, and C of the phototherapy device 1 according to the embodiment. ２ 2 is a graph showing the correspondence between the LED temperature and the LED light output value. At the time of shipment of product A, the function associating the LED temperature and the LED light output value shown in FIG. 2 is stored in the storage unit 19. On the other hand, products B and C use LEDs that have the same specifications and product characteristics as product A, i.e., LEDs that have the same slope of the graph (temperature change characteristics). However, because the products themselves are different (specifically, because the LED current is different), the LED light output values ​​are different even at the same temperature.

[0046] Therefore, for products B and C, as with product A, a reference point P is previously set in which a reference light output value, which is a measured value of the light source's light output value, corresponds to a reference temperature, which is the light source temperature when the reference light output value is measured. Ｂ , P ＣIn addition, a function that associates the LED temperature with the LED light output value is acquired. When each product is shipped, the storage unit 19 stores this function, so that the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 can calculate the temperature-corrected light output value corresponding to each product. In this example, the reference point P Ｂ is a reference temperature of 27°C and a reference light output value of 102 mW / cm ２ and P of product C Ｃ is a reference temperature of 23°C and a reference light output of 96 mW / cm ２ is.

[0047] As a result, the correspondence between the reference light output value and the reference temperature is stored for each individual product, and the temperature-corrected light output value is calculated taking the reference light output value into account, so that even if there is individual variation in the light output value of the LED 21, the irradiation amount can be precisely controlled.

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

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

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

[0051] The cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16 acquires the temperature-corrected light output value calculated by the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 in response to the timing signal output from the reference timer 14. Furthermore, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16 calculates the irradiation amount per unit time, which is 97.9 mW / cm in this example, from the product of the acquired temperature-corrected light output value and a predetermined time that is the interval between the timing signals. ２ ×0.5 seconds=49.0mJ / cm ２ is calculated (step S7 in FIG. 3).

[0052] Then, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16 calculates the cumulative irradiation amount from the start of ultraviolet irradiation by the LED 21 by cumulatively adding up the calculated irradiation amounts per unit time (step S8 in FIG. 3). In this example, assuming that the cumulative irradiation amount is calculated 2.0 seconds after the start of irradiation by the LED 21, the cumulative irradiation amount is the cumulative value of the irradiation amounts per unit time from 0 seconds to 2.0 seconds, that is, 49.0 + 48.8 + 48.5 + 48.2 = 194.5 mJ / cm ２ is.

[0053] The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation amount (= set irradiation amount - cumulative irradiation amount) by subtracting the cumulative irradiation amount calculated by the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16 from the set irradiation amount input from the setting input unit 11 initially in response to the timing signal output by the reference timer 14 (step S9 in FIG. 3). In this example, 1000 mJ / cm ２ -194.5mJ / cm ２ =805.5mJ / cm ２ The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation amount based on the temperature corrected light output value calculated by the temperature corrected light output value calculation unit 15, which is 96.4 mW / cm ２ The remaining irradiation time is calculated by dividing by 805.5 / 96.4 (step S10 in FIG. 3). In this example, it is 805.5 / 96.4=8.36 seconds.

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

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

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

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

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

[0059] The cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16 acquires the temperature-corrected light output value calculated by the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit 15 in response to the timing signal output from the reference timer 14. Furthermore, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16 calculates the irradiation amount per unit time, which is 110.5 mW / cm in this example, from the product of the acquired temperature-corrected light output value and a predetermined time that is the interval between the timing signals. ２ × 0.5 seconds = 55.3 mJ / cm ２ is calculated (step S7 in FIG. 3).

[0060] Then, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16 calculates the cumulative irradiation amount from the start of ultraviolet irradiation by the LED 21 by cumulatively adding up the calculated irradiation amounts per unit time (step S8 in FIG. 3). In this example, assuming that the cumulative irradiation amount is calculated 2.0 seconds after the start of irradiation by the LED 21, the cumulative irradiation amount is the cumulative value of the irradiation amounts per unit time from 0 seconds to 2.0 seconds, that is, 55.3 + 55.1 + 54.8 + 54.5 = 219.7 mJ / cm ２ is.

[0061] The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation amount (= set irradiation amount - cumulative irradiation amount) by subtracting the cumulative irradiation amount calculated by the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit 16 from the set irradiation amount input from the setting input unit 11 initially in response to the timing signal output by the reference timer 14 (step S9 in FIG. 3). In this example, 1000 mJ / cm ２ -219.7mJ / cm ２ =780.3mJ / cm ２ The remaining irradiation time calculation unit 17 calculates the remaining irradiation amount based on the temperature corrected light output value calculated by the temperature corrected light output value calculation unit 15, which is 96.4 mW / cm ２ The remaining irradiation time is calculated by dividing by 780.3 / 109.0 (step S10 in FIG. 3). In this example, it is 780.3 / 109.0=7.16 seconds.

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

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

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] (1) A light source (LED 21) that emits therapeutic light; a setting input unit (11) for inputting a set dose of the therapeutic light; a temperature measurement unit (23) that measures the temperature of the light source; a reference timer (14) that outputs a timing signal at predetermined time intervals from the start of irradiation of the therapeutic light; a temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit (15) that acquires the temperature of the light source in response to the timing signal and calculates a temperature-corrected light output value, which is the light output value corresponding to the measured temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit, in accordance with the correspondence between the temperature of the light source and the light output value of the light source at that temperature; a cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit (16) that calculates a cumulative irradiation dose from the start of irradiation of the therapeutic light by accumulating the product of the temperature-corrected light output value and the predetermined time in response to the timing signal; and a remaining irradiation time calculation unit (17) that calculates a remaining irradiation dose, which is the difference between the set irradiation dose and the accumulated irradiation dose in response to the timing signal, and calculates the remaining irradiation time by dividing the remaining irradiation dose by the temperature-corrected light output value. an output stop unit (irradiation end timer 18) that stops the output of the therapeutic light, wherein the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit, the cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit, and the remaining irradiation time calculation unit repeat a series of calculation processes at the predetermined time intervals, and the output stop unit stops the output of the therapeutic light when the remaining irradiation time becomes shorter than the predetermined time.

[0067] According to the above configuration, the measured temperature of the light source is acquired at predetermined intervals, and the cumulative irradiation amount is calculated using the temperature-corrected light output value corresponding to the most recent measured temperature, thereby enabling precise calculation of the irradiation stop time. Therefore, even if the temperature of the light source changes during irradiation and the light output value fluctuates, temperature correction can be performed in real time, allowing precise irradiation of the set irradiation amount.

[0068] (2) A phototherapy device as described in (1), comprising a memory unit (19) that stores a reference light output value, which is a measurement of the light output value of the light source measured in advance, in association with a reference temperature, which is the light source temperature when the reference light output value was measured, and the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit calculates the temperature-corrected light output value taking into account the reference light output value.

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

[0070] (3) A phototherapy device according to (1) or (2), comprising: a therapy device main body; and an irradiation probe configured to be grippable and electrically connected to the therapy device main body, wherein the therapy device main body has the setting input unit, the reference timer, the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit, the irradiation time calculation unit, and the output stop unit, and the irradiation probe has the light source and the temperature measurement unit.

[0071] According to the above configuration, the irradiation probe can be made lighter, and the operability for the user can be improved.

[0072] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0073] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-155080) filed on September 9, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] According to the present invention, it is possible to precisely irradiate a set dose of radiation, and the present invention, which has this effect, is useful for an apparatus for performing phototherapy by irradiating a predetermined region of the human body with therapeutic light.

[0075] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Phototherapy device 10 Therapy device main body 11 Setting input section 12 Display section 13 LED control section 14 Reference timer 15 Temperature-corrected light output value calculation section 16 Accumulative irradiation amount calculation section 17 Remaining irradiation time calculation section 18 Irradiation end timer (output stop section) 19 Memory section 20 Irradiation probe 21 LED (light source) 22 Irradiation start button 23 Temperature measurement section

Claims

a temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the light source; a reference timer for outputting a timing signal at predetermined time intervals from the start of irradiation of the therapeutic light; a temperature-corrected light output value calculating unit for acquiring the temperature of the light source in response to the timing signal and calculating a temperature-corrected light output value, which is a light output value corresponding to the measured temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit, in accordance with the correspondence between the light source temperature and the light output value of the light source at that temperature; a cumulative irradiation amount calculating unit for calculating a cumulative irradiation amount from the start of irradiation of the therapeutic light by accumulating the product of the temperature-corrected light output value and the predetermined time in response to the timing signal; a remaining irradiation time calculating unit for calculating a remaining irradiation amount, which is the difference between the set irradiation amount and the accumulated irradiation amount in response to the timing signal, and calculating the remaining irradiation time by dividing the remaining irradiation amount by the temperature-corrected light output value; and an output stopping unit for stopping the output of the therapeutic light. the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit, the cumulative irradiation dose calculation unit, and the remaining irradiation time calculation unit repeat a series of calculation processes at the predetermined time intervals, and the output stop unit stops the output of the therapeutic light when the remaining irradiation time becomes shorter than the predetermined time.

2. A phototherapy device as described in claim 1, comprising a memory unit that stores a reference light output value, which is a measurement of the light output value of the light source measured in advance, in association with a reference temperature, which is the light source temperature when the reference light output value was measured, and the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit calculates the temperature-corrected light output value taking into account the reference light output value.

3. A light therapy device as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising: a therapy device main body; and an irradiation probe configured to be grippable and electrically connected to the therapy device main body, wherein the therapy device main body has the setting input unit, the reference timer, the temperature-corrected light output value calculation unit, the cumulative irradiation amount calculation unit, the irradiation time calculation unit, and the output stop unit, and the irradiation probe has the light source and the temperature measurement unit.

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