Ear disease treatment device

Abstract

The present specification relates to an ear disease treatment device and, specifically, to an ear disease treatment device which comprises a sound output module and an optical output module and treats ear-related diseases. The ear disease treatment device according to an embodiment of the present specification comprises: an optical output module for generating light of a specific wavelength and irradiating at least one of the inside and the periphery of a user's ear with the light; a sound output module for generating sound and transmitting same to the user's ear; and a control module for controlling the operation of the optical output module and the sound output module, wherein the optical output module and the sound output module are separately arranged so as not to interfere with each other.

Description

Ear disease treatment device

[0001] This specification relates to a device for treating ear diseases, and more specifically, to a device for treating ear-related diseases that includes an acoustic output module and an optical output module.

[0002] Ear diseases are caused by various genetic and environmental factors, including viruses, heredity, trauma, moisture, and anatomical conditions. These conditions manifest in diverse ways, such as hearing loss, tinnitus, otitis media, and otitis externa, and various methods, including medication, surgery, and hearing aids, are used for their treatment. For instance, in cases of otitis media or otitis externa, treatment generally involves antibiotic medication or infrared irradiation; in severe cases, surgical intervention is required. For hearing loss or tinnitus, hearing aids are used, and psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy are often combined.

[0003] However, these existing treatment methods each have their own limitations, and in particular, for certain diseases, there are issues where fundamental treatment is difficult or long-term effects cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, conventional ear disease treatment devices are often used restrictively for specific conditions or have limited efficacy. For instance, infrared devices can only treat otitis media or otitis externa, but are difficult to treat for conditions such as hearing loss or tinnitus; similarly, hearing aids can only treat hearing loss or tinnitus, but are difficult to treat for conditions like otitis externa. Consequently, patients with various ear diseases must use multiple treatment devices, but significant inconvenience arises from the repeated use of these devices to ensure long-term effectiveness. Additionally, conventional ear disease treatment devices are bulky and heavy, making them difficult to carry. Moreover, they are difficult to utilize for purposes other than treating ear diseases, resulting in low usability and consequently reduced therapeutic efficacy.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an ear disease treatment device that can treat various ear diseases with a single device, offers high usability due to its portability, and can be utilized for various purposes.

[0005] The purpose of this specification is to provide an ear disease treatment device capable of treating various ear diseases with a single device by simultaneously equipping an optical output module and an acoustic output module.

[0006] Furthermore, the objective of this specification is to provide an ear disease treatment device that can enhance usability and utility and improve therapeutic effects by performing infrared therapy while listening to music through an optical output module and an acoustic output module.

[0007] An ear disease treatment device according to one embodiment of the present specification comprises a light output module that generates light of a specific wavelength and irradiates it onto at least one of the inside of the user's ear and the area around the ear, an acoustic output module that generates sound and transmits it to the user's ear, and a control module that controls the operation of the light output module and the acoustic output module, wherein the light output module and the acoustic output module are separated so as not to interfere with each other.

[0008] Additionally, an ear disease treatment device according to one embodiment of the present specification further comprises a housing that accommodates the light output module and the acoustic output module in an internal space, and a dual cover coupled to one side of the housing to form a closed structure together with the housing, wherein the dual cover may include a transparent cover disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the light output module and a mesh cover disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the acoustic output module.

[0009] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the light output module may include a light-emitting part that generates the light; and a reflector provided between the light-emitting part and the dual cover to disperse or reflect some of the generated light to the outside.

[0010] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the light of the specific wavelength may include at least one wavelength among 660 nm and 940 nm.

[0011] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the transparent cover includes a center and an edge portion of an inner surface, wherein the center portion is flat to transmit light without refraction, and the edge portion forms a curve at least one angle and can reflect the light at various angles according to the curve.

[0012] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the transparent cover has different angles formed on the upper surface of the edge portion and the lower surface of the edge portion, and the refractive index of the upper surface of the edge portion may be smaller than the refractive index of the lower surface of the edge portion.

[0013] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the transparent cover is located at the center and edge of the dual cover, and the mesh cover may be provided at a location excluding the location where the transparent cover is provided.

[0014] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the mesh cover is located at the edge of the dual cover and the transparent cover is located at the center of the dual cover so that the light output module can irradiate light into the user's ear.

[0015] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the mesh cover is located at the center of the dual cover and the transparent cover is located at the edge of the dual cover so that the light output module can irradiate light around the user's ear.

[0016] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the transparent cover is located at the center and edge of the dual cover, and the mesh cover is located between the transparent covers so that the light output module can irradiate light around and inside the user's ear.

[0017] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the light output module and the sound output module are arranged in a specific shape inside the housing, and the housing may be formed to be detachably connected to the power module so that the area where the light is irradiated is changed according to the user's selection.

[0018] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the acoustic output module transmits sound through the user's bones and skin, and the light output module may be extended and coupled to one side of the acoustic output module so as to be provided at a position corresponding to the user's ear.

[0019] In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, the inside of the user's ear includes an external auditory canal and a eardrum, and the area around the user's ear includes an auricle.

[0020] In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, a dehumidification module for removing moisture from the ear and a temperature sensor for preventing burns to the user may be further included.

[0021] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the control module may control the operation of the optical output module to operate independently of the operation of the acoustic output module or to operate in response to the operation of the acoustic output module.

[0022] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, when the control module controls the operation of the optical output module to operate in response to the operation of the acoustic output module, when the acoustic output module starts operating, the optical output module can be controlled to operate together according to a preset time and a preset period.

[0023] In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, the control module may control the light output module to adjust the light output intensity in steps based on at least one of the user's operation, usage time, and degree of ear disease.

[0024] An ear disease treatment device according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a communication module that transmits and receives information to and from a user terminal and an ear disease treatment device worn on the user's ear, the device including an acoustic output module and an optical output module, a memory, and at least one processor that executes instructions stored in the memory. The processor generates treatment information and a device control signal based on at least one of user information received from the user terminal and feedback information from the user, transmits the treatment information to the user terminal, and controls the operation of the ear disease treatment device from the device control signal to treat the ear disease.

[0025] In another embodiment of the present specification, the user information may include at least one of the user's ear disease information, antibiotics being taken information, and sleep disease information.

[0026] In another embodiment of the present specification, the user's feedback information may be response information entered by the user after the user listens to the test sound output from the sound output module.

[0027] In another embodiment of the present specification, treatment information may include at least one of disease judgment result information, treatment guidance information, and sleep music information.

[0028] In another embodiment of the present specification, the treatment guidance information may include at least one of medication guidance information and tinnitus treatment information.

[0029] In another embodiment of the present specification, the medication guidance information may include information related to the usage time, timing of use, usage rate, duration of use, and method of use for each of the antibiotic and the light output module.

[0030] In another embodiment of the present specification, the medication guidance information may have different values ​​depending on the user's antibiotic information.

[0031] In another embodiment of the present specification, the device control signal may control the operation of the acoustic output module to output white noise or sound waves, and control the operation of the light output module to irradiate light to the user's ear for a predetermined period of time.

[0032] In another embodiment of the present specification, when generating treatment information and device control signals based on the user's feedback information, the processor determines the type of ear disease, the degree of ear disease, and the location of onset from the feedback information, generates the disease determination result information and treatment guidance information corresponding to the disease determination result information, and transmits the disease determination result information and treatment guidance information to the user terminal or transmits the device control signal to the ear disease treatment device.

[0033] In another embodiment of the present specification, when user information is ear disease information and antibiotic information being taken by the user, the processor may generate medication guidance information and a device control signal based on the ear disease information and antibiotic information, transmit medication guidance information to the user terminal, and transmit the device control signal to the ear disease treatment device.

[0034] In another embodiment of the present specification, the user information includes tinnitus information, and the processor determines a tinnitus frequency and a tinnitus type based on the tinnitus information, generates tinnitus treatment information and a device control signal according to the tinnitus frequency and the tinnitus type, transmits the tinnitus treatment information to the user terminal, and transmits the device control signal to the ear disease treatment device.

[0035] In another embodiment of the present specification, the user information includes sleep information related to a sleep cycle, sleep time, etc., and the processor determines a sleep disorder based on the sleep information, generates sleep music information and a device control signal according to the result of the sleep disorder, transmits the sleep music information to the user terminal, and transmits the device control signal to an ear disease treatment device to output the sleep music to the user.

[0036] In another embodiment of the present specification, the communication module may be linked with an external server to transmit the user information and the disease judgment result information to the external server, and receive feedback information from a medical expert corresponding to the disease judgment result information from the external server and provide it to the user terminal.

[0037] In another embodiment of the present specification, the feedback information may be provided in the form of a chat service or a video service for two-way communication between the medical professional and the user.

[0038] In another embodiment of the present specification, the communication module transmits the user information and the disease judgment result information in a first cycle so that they are monitored by the external server, and receives feedback information from the medical expert from the external server in a second cycle.

[0039] The ear disease treatment device of the present invention is equipped with both an optical output module and an acoustic output module, so that various ear diseases can be treated with a single device.

[0040] In addition, the ear disease treatment device of the present invention can enhance usability and utility and improve treatment effects by performing infrared therapy while listening to music through a light output module and an acoustic output module.

[0041] The ear disease treatment device of the present invention can accurately check or treat various ear diseases with a single device by acquiring user information and user feedback information using an ear disease treatment device comprising an optical output module and an acoustic output module.

[0042] In addition, the ear disease treatment device of the present invention generates treatment information and device control signals using user information and user feedback information, thereby enabling the user to conveniently care for ear-related diseases without visiting a hospital.

[0043] In addition, the ear disease treatment device of the present invention can easily monitor the user's condition by periodically receiving feedback information from medical professionals through linkage with an external server related to a hospital.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an entire ear disease treatment system according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an ear disease treatment device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an optical output module in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0047] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an acoustic output module in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0048] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an ear disease treatment device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a front view of a first type of reflector in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a front view of a dual cover in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0051] FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings showing various forms of dual covers in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an ear disease treatment device including an acoustic output module that transmits sound through bone conduction in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an ear disease treatment device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a self-diagnosis process using user feedback information of a disease diagnosis module in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0055] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a disease treatment module and a control signal generation module use user information to treat otitis externa / otitis media in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0056] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a disease treatment module and a control signal generation module treat tinnitus using user information in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0057] The embodiments described in this specification are intended to clearly explain the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, and therefore the invention is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification, and the scope of the invention should be interpreted to include modifications or variations that do not deviate from the concept of the invention.

[0058] The terms used in this specification have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account their functions in the present invention; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, case law, or the emergence of new technologies. However, if a specific term is defined and used with an arbitrary meaning, the meaning of that term will be described separately. Accordingly, the terms used in this specification should be interpreted based on their actual meaning and the content throughout this specification, rather than merely their names.

[0059] The drawings attached to this specification are intended to facilitate the explanation of the present invention. The shapes depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated as necessary to aid in understanding the present invention, and therefore the present invention is not limited by the drawings.

[0060] In this specification, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0061] In cases where it is determined that a detailed description of known components or functions related to the present invention in this specification may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description shall be omitted as necessary. Furthermore, numbers used in the description of this specification (e.g., First, Second, etc.) are merely identification symbols to distinguish one component from another.

[0062] Furthermore, the suffixes "part" and "substance" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles.

[0063] That is, the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to make the present disclosure complete and to inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present disclosure, and the invention of the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0064] Terms such as “first” and / or “second” may be used to describe various components, but said components shall not be limited by said terms. For the sole purpose of distinguishing one component from another, for example, without departing from the scope of rights according to the concept of the present disclosure, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0065] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. Other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between" and "exactly between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to," should be interpreted in the same way.

[0066] In the drawings, each block of the process flow diagrams and combinations of the flow diagrams can be executed by computer program instructions. Since these computer program instructions can be loaded into the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable information processing equipment, the instructions executed through the processor of the computer or other programmable information processing equipment create means to perform the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). Since these computer program instructions can also be stored in computer-available or computer-readable memory that can be directed toward the computer or other programmable information processing equipment to implement the function in a specific way, the instructions stored in computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce a manufactured item containing means of instruction to perform the function described in the flow diagram block(s). Since computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable information processing equipment, instructions that execute a computer or other programmable information processing equipment by performing a series of operation steps on the computer or other programmable information processing equipment to create a process executed by the computer may also provide steps for executing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0067] Additionally, device-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where information is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0068] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or part of code containing one or more executable instructions for executing a specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative execution examples, the functions mentioned in the blocks may occur out of order. For instance, two blocks described in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may be executed in reverse order depending on the corresponding function. For instance, actions performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically; one or more of these actions may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other actions may be added.

[0069] As used in this disclosure, the term “unit” refers to a software or hardware component such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). A “unit” performs specific roles but is not limited to software or hardware. A “unit” may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or may be configured to run one or more processors. Accordingly, according to some embodiments, a “unit” includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, information, databases, information structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within the components and “units” may be combined into a smaller number of components and “units” or further separated into additional components and “units.” In addition, the components and 'parts' may be implemented to utilize one or more CPUs within the device or secure multimedia card. Furthermore, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the 'parts' may include one or more processors.

[0070] The operating principles of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In describing the present disclosure below, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations might unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present disclosure, and these may vary depending on the intentions or conventions of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0071] 1. Ear disease treatment system

[0072] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an entire ear disease treatment system according to one embodiment of the present specification. Referring to the drawing, the ear disease treatment system (10) includes an ear disease treatment device (1000), a user terminal (2000), and an ear disease treatment device (3000).

[0073] The ear disease treatment device (1000) is worn on the user's ear to treat ear-related diseases. The ear disease treatment device (1000) can treat various types of ear diseases by including an optical output module and an acoustic output module, and communicates directly or indirectly with the user terminal (2000) and the ear disease treatment device (3000) via a wired or wireless network to transmit and receive information.

[0074] The user terminal (2000) performs operations related to the ear disease treatment device (1000) through an installed application, inputs user information, or displays information obtained through the ear disease treatment device (1000) through a display. The user terminal (2000) may include, for example, all kinds of handheld-based wireless communication devices such as PCS (Personal Communication System), GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication)-2000, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)-2000, W-CDMA (W- Code Division Multiple Access), WiBro (Wireless Broadband Internet) terminal, smartphone, etc., as well as wearable devices such as watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted devices (HMD).

[0075] The ear disease treatment device (3000) is a server that processes information by communicating with an external device, and processes user information input from a user terminal (2000) or transmits control signals to an ear disease treatment device (1000). In addition, the ear disease treatment device (3000) analyzes the user's physical information obtained from the ear disease treatment device (1000) and transmits the results to the user terminal (2000). The ear disease treatment device (3000) may include, for example, an application server, a computing server, a database server, a file server, a game server, a mail server, a proxy server, and a web server.

[0076] In various embodiments, the ear disease treatment device (3000) may communicate with an external server (4000) via a wired or wireless network to transmit and receive information. Here, the external server (4000) may be a hospital's WEB server or a DB server such as an EMR (Electronic Medical Record) or PHR (Personal Health Record), but is not limited thereto and may include any server where the medical records of the hospital and patients are stored. The operation and provided services of the ear disease treatment device (3000) will be described in detail later.

[0077] 2. Ear disease treatment device

[0078] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an ear disease treatment device according to one embodiment of the present specification. Referring to the drawing, the ear disease treatment device (1000) includes an optical output module (100), an acoustic output module (200), a control module (300), a housing (400), a power module (500), a dual cover (600), and other sensors (700).

[0079] The light output module (100) generates light of a specific wavelength and irradiates it onto at least one of the inside of the user's ear and the area around the ear. Here, the specific wavelength may be at least one of 660 nm and 940 nm, and the light corresponding to the specific wavelength may be visible light (red) or infrared light.

[0080] Additionally, the inside of the user's ear includes the external auditory canal and eardrum, and the area around the user's ear includes the auricle, and the light output module (100) can treat inflammation distributed over a wide range by irradiating light not only to the external auditory canal and eardrum but also to the auricle.

[0081] The sound output module (200) generates sound and transmits it to the user's ear. The sound output module (200) may be, for example, a speaker, and may output sound directly into the user's ear or transmit sound by utilizing vibrations of the skin or bone around the ear. The output sound may be a special-purpose sound for treating ear diseases, but is not limited thereto and may include various sounds that can be used with general earphones, such as singing music.

[0082] The control module (300) controls the operation of the optical output module (100) and the acoustic output module (200). Depending on the control signal of the control module (300), the optical output module (100) and the acoustic output module (200) may operate simultaneously or separately.

[0083] That is, the control module (300) can control the operation of the optical output module (100) to operate independently of the operation of the acoustic output module (200), or control it to operate together in response to the operation of the acoustic output module (200).

[0084] Specifically, when the control module (300) controls the operation of the optical output module (100) to operate in response to the operation of the acoustic output module (200), when the acoustic output module (200) starts operating, the optical output module (100) can be controlled to operate together according to a preset time and a preset period.

[0085] Additionally, the control module (300) can control the light output module (100) to adjust the light output intensity in steps based on at least one of the user's operation, usage time, and degree of ear disease. Accordingly, the light output can be adjusted according to the user's type and degree of disease to provide customized treatment for ear disease.

[0086] The housing (400) accommodates both the optical output module (100) and the acoustic output module (200) inside, or accommodates only the optical output module (100). The optical output module (100) and the acoustic output module (200) may be separated so as not to interfere with each other, and a detailed separation structure will be described later.

[0087] The power module (500) is coupled to one side of the housing (400) and supplies power to the optical output module (100) and the acoustic output module (200). The power module (500) can supply power by being connected via a wired or wireless connection.

[0088] The dual cover (600) is coupled to the other side of the housing (400) to form a closed structure together with the housing (400). Specifically, the dual cover (600) includes a transparent cover positioned at a location corresponding to the location of the light output module (100) and a mesh cover positioned at a location corresponding to the location of the sound output module (200).

[0089] The transparent cover outputs light generated by the light output module (100), and the mesh cover outputs sound generated by the sound output module (200). Within the dual cover (600), the transparent cover and the mesh cover can be combined in various forms, and the detailed structure will be described later.

[0090] The auxiliary module (700) is a module added to improve the performance of treating ear diseases in addition to the optical output module (100) and the acoustic output module (200), and may further include a dehumidification module for removing moisture present in the user's ear and a temperature control module for preventing burns to the user. At this time, the dehumidification module may include a humidity sensor for detecting moisture inside the ear, and the temperature control module may include a temperature sensor for detecting temperature. The auxiliary module (700) is not limited to the dehumidification module and temperature control module listed above, and may include various modules that can be miniaturized and added to improve the performance of treating ear diseases.

[0091] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an optical output module in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0092] Referring to the drawing, the output module (100) includes a light-emitting part (110) that generates light of a specific wavelength and a reflector (120) provided between the light-emitting part (110) and a dual cover (600) to disperse or reflect some of the generated light to the outside.

[0093] The light-emitting part (110) may be a light-emitting diode (LED, Light Emitting Diode), but is not limited thereto and may include any type of light-emitting module that generates infrared or red visible light.

[0094] The transparent cover (620) included in the dual cover (600) is formed of a circular transparent material so that a portion of the light generated from the light-emitting part (110) can be transmitted or reflected. Specifically, the transparent cover (620) includes a center (621) and an edge portion (622) on its inner surface, the center (621) is flat and transmits light without refraction, and the edge portion (622) forms a curve at least one angle and reflects light at various angles according to the curve.

[0095] In various embodiments, the angle formed on the upper side of the edge portion (622) of the transparent cover and the lower side of the edge portion (622) may differ. Accordingly, the refractive index of the emitted light may also differ. Specifically, the slope of the upper side of the edge portion (622) may be gentle, while the slope of the lower side of the edge portion (622) may be steep, so that the refractive index of the upper side may be smaller than that of the lower side. That is, depending on the difference in refractive index between the upper side and the lower side of the edge portion (622), more light may be irradiated to the area around the user's upper ear (e.g., the helix).

[0096] The reflector (120) is formed of a plastic material and disperses some of the light generated from the light-emitting part (120) or reflects the light reflected from the transparent cover (620) back out. That is, since the emitted light passes through the reflector (120) and reaches the transparent cover (620), the light is primarily dispersed during the process of passing through, and the light reflected from the edge part (622) is reflected back out by the curved structure of the transparent cover (620), thereby secondarily dispersing the light. Through this, the light can efficiently reach not only the inside of the user's ear but also the area around the ear.

[0097] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an acoustic output module in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0098] Referring to the drawing, the sound output module (200) includes a magnet (210), a coil (220), a diaphragm (230), a fixing member (240), and a receiving member (250). The magnet (210), the coil (220), and the diaphragm (230) are core components for generating sound and are fixed by being internally received in the fixing member (240) and the receiving member (250), which are made of high-strength material.

[0099] To explain the operating principle of the sound output module, when power is supplied to the sound output module (200) by the power module (500), current flows and a magnetic field is generated inside the sound output module (200). Subsequently, the coil (220) changes into an electromagnet due to the magnetic field, causing the diaphragm (230) to vibrate the air, and the vinyl inside the diaphragm vibrates to generate sound. As the operation of the sound output module is a known technology and falls under the category of well-known technology, a detailed description is omitted in this specification.

[0100] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an ear disease treatment device according to one embodiment of the present specification, and FIG. 6 is a front view of a first type of reflector in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0101] First, referring to FIG. 5, the ear disease treatment device (1000) includes an optical output module (100) and an acoustic output module (200) that are separated from each other.

[0102] The arrangement of the light output module (100) and the sound output module (200) is not limited to a specific embodiment and can be arranged in various structures, but it is preferable that the light output module (100) be placed in front of the sound output module (200) so as not to obstruct the path of the output light.

[0103] In various embodiments, the ear disease treatment device (1000) may have a reflector (120) formed in a first shape that is cross-shaped, as shown in FIG. 6. The first shape includes a center (121), a protrusion (122), and a concave part (123).

[0104] In the first form, a light-emitting part (110) may be provided in the central part (121) and each protrusion (122). Since the light-emitting part (110) is included in the central part (121), light can be directly irradiated into the ear, and since a plurality of light-emitting parts (110) are included in each protrusion (122), light can be indirectly irradiated around the ear.

[0105] Therefore, by using the first type of ear disease treatment device (1000), the inside of the ear and the area around the ear can be simultaneously targeted and treated through the light output module (100). In addition, the sound generated by the acoustic output module (200) can be output to the outside without interference from the reflector (120) as it exits through the concave portion (123).

[0106] FIG. 7 is a front view of a dual cover in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0107] Referring to the drawing, the dual cover (600) includes a mesh cover (610) and a transparent cover (620).

[0108] In various embodiments, the mesh cover (610) and the transparent cover (620) may each be provided at a position corresponding to the position of the light output module (100) and the sound output module (200), and as shown in FIG. 4, according to the first form of the ear disease treatment device (1000), the transparent cover (620) may be provided at the center and edge of the dual cover (600), and the mesh cover (610) may be arranged to be provided in the remaining part excluding the center and edge of the dual cover (600).

[0109] That is, light output from the light output module (100) is transmitted or reflected through the transparent cover (620), and sound output from the sound output module (200) is emitted through the mesh cover (610).

[0110] As such, the ear disease treatment device of the present specification includes both an optical output module and an acoustic output module in a single device, thereby enabling the treatment of ear diseases such as otitis externa while listening to music.

[0111] FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings showing various forms of dual covers in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 8(a), the second type of dual cover (600) can be arranged so that the transparent cover (620) and the mesh cover (610) each occupy half the area relative to the center.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 8(b), the third type of dual cover (600) can be formed such that the mesh cover (610) is located at the edge of the dual cover (600) and the transparent cover (620) is located at the center of the dual cover (600). In this case, the light output module (100) can irradiate light into the user's ear as the light-emitting part (110) is located at the center of the dual cover (600).

[0114] Referring to FIG. 9(c), the fourth type of dual cover (600) can be formed such that, unlike the third type of dual cover (600), the mesh cover (610) is located at the center of the dual cover (600) and the transparent cover (620) is located at the edge of the dual cover (600). In this case, the light output module (100) can irradiate light around the user's ear as the light-emitting part (110) is located at the edge of the dual cover (600).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 9(d), the fifth type of dual cover (600) can be formed by combining the third type and the fourth type of dual cover (600), with a transparent cover (620) located at the center and edge of the dual cover (600) and a mesh cover (610) located between the transparent covers (620). In this case, the light output module (100) can irradiate light to both the area around the user's ear and inside the ear as the light-emitting part (110) is located at the center and edge of the dual cover (600).

[0116] In the examples described above, the light output module (100) and the sound output module (200) are each separated and arranged in various forms inside the housing (400), and the housing (400) may be formed to be detachably connected to the power module to change the ear area where light is irradiated according to the user's choice.

[0117] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an ear disease treatment device including an acoustic output module that transmits sound through bone conduction in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0118] Referring to the drawings, in various embodiments, the acoustic output module (200) of the ear disease treatment device (1000) may be a bone conduction module. That is, the acoustic output module (200) does not transmit sound through the user's external auditory canal and eardrum via air vibration (air conduction), but transmits sound through the user's bones and skin (bone conduction).

[0119] At this time, the optical output module (100) may be formed as a separate, independent structure distinct from the acoustic output module (200) and may be provided at a position corresponding to the user's ear. The optical output module (100) may be extended and coupled to one side of the acoustic output module (200) or the main body of the ear disease treatment device (1000) (CASE 1, 2), or may be formed so as to be interchangeably detachable from the ear disease treatment device (1000) (CASE 3).

[0120] In various embodiments, the ear disease treatment device (1000) may be formed in the form of a headset in which a plurality of ear disease treatment devices (1000) of the first form are physically and electrically connected. When the ear disease treatment device (1000) is formed in the form of a headset, it covers the entire ear of the user, so that all of the light output from the light output module (100) is irradiated onto the user's ear without any wasted light, thereby enabling effective treatment of the ear disease. Of course, the headset form is not limited to a specific form and can be formed in various structures.

[0121] 3. Ear disease treatment device

[0122] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an ear disease treatment device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0123] Referring to the drawing, the ear disease treatment device (3000) includes a communication module (3100), a processor (3200), a database (300), and a memory (3400).

[0124] The communication module (3100) can communicate with at least one device. Specifically, the communication module (3100) can transmit and receive information with an ear disease treatment device and a user terminal including an acoustic output module and an optical output module, and the communication module (3100) may include a wireless communication module that supports various wireless communication methods such as GSM (global System for Mobile Communication), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, 5G, and 6G, in addition to a Wi-Fi module and a WiBro (Wireless broadband) module.

[0125] The processor (3200) performs operations by executing instructions stored in memory (3400). The processor may be composed of one or more processors, and the one or more processors may be general-purpose processors such as CPUs, APs, and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), graphics-dedicated processors such as GPUs and VPUs (Vision Processing Units), or artificial intelligence-dedicated processors such as NPUs. The one or more processors control the processing of input information according to predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence models stored in memory. If the one or more processors are artificial intelligence-dedicated processors, the artificial intelligence-dedicated processors may be designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing a specific artificial intelligence model.

[0126] The database (3300) stores information obtained from multiple devices, such as user information and feedback information. The database (3300) is structured in a specific way to efficiently store, manage, search, modify, and delete information, and plays an important role in systematically managing and utilizing information.

[0127] The memory (3400) can store information supporting various functions of the ear disease treatment device (3000), programs for the operation of the processor (3200), or input / output information. Additionally, the memory (3400) can store a number of application programs (or applications) running on the ear disease treatment device (3000), as well as information and instructions for the operation of the ear disease treatment device (3000). At least some of these application programs can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.

[0128] Such memory (3400) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, SSD type (Solid State Disk type), SSD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory; RAM), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory; ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk.

[0129] Referring to the drawing, the memory (3400) includes a user management module (3410), a disease diagnosis module (3420), a disease treatment module (3430), and a control signal generation module (3440).

[0130] The user management module (3410) obtains user information from the user terminal (2000), obtains user feedback information from the user terminal (2000) and the ear disease treatment device (1000), and stores and manages it in the database (3300).

[0131] User information is information related to the user directly entered by the user, and may include personal information such as the age and gender of the user of the ear disease treatment device (1000), as well as information on the user's ear disease, information on antibiotics currently being taken by the user, and information on sleep disorders. Here, the information on ear diseases may include, for example, information on inflammatory diseases such as otitis media / otitis externa, as well as information on tinnitus related to hearing.

[0132] The user's feedback information may be response information directly input by the user into the ear disease treatment device (1000) after the user listens to the test sound after the test sound is output from the sound output module (200).

[0133] The disease diagnosis module (3420) diagnoses the user's ear disease based on at least one of the received user information and the user's feedback information, and generates treatment information. The treatment information may include, for example, disease judgment result information, treatment guidance information, medication guidance information, tinnitus treatment information, and sleep music information, and different treatment information may be generated in response to the determined disease.

[0134] In detail, when diagnosing a user's ear disease based on user information, the disease diagnosis module (3420) may determine the ear disease information or sleep disease information entered by the user into the user terminal (2000) as the disease judgment result information. For example, if the entered ear disease information is otitis media, the disease diagnosis module (3420) determines otitis media as the disease judgment result information.

[0135] In various embodiments, the disease diagnosis module (3420) may obtain ear disease information of the user measured through the auxiliary module (700) of the ear disease treatment device (1000), separately from the ear disease information obtained through user input, and if the measured ear disease-related information of the user differs from the ear disease information entered by the user, the disease diagnosis module (3420) may determine the measured ear disease-related information of the user as the disease judgment result information. In other words, since there is a possibility that errors exist in the ear disease information entered by the user due to any reason such as incorrect input, the disease diagnosis module (3420) may assign priority to the measured ear disease information.

[0136] In contrast, when diagnosing a user's ear disease based on user feedback information, the disease diagnosis module (3420) can determine the type of ear disease, the severity of the disease, and the location of onset from the feedback information and determine them as disease diagnosis result information. The self-diagnosis process for diagnosing a user's ear disease based on user feedback information will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12.

[0137] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a self-diagnosis process using user feedback information of a disease diagnosis module in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0138] Referring to the drawings, the disease diagnosis module (3420) outputs a test sound to the user's ear through the acoustic output module (200) (S1000). Here, the test sound may include various frequency bands to enable pure tone audiometry, or may include sound outputs of various types, kinds, and sizes. In various embodiments, the test sound may be selectively output to both ears or one ear of the user.

[0139] Subsequently, when the disease diagnosis module (3420) obtains user feedback information entered by the user from the user terminal (2000) (S1100), it determines at least one of the type of ear disease, the severity of the ear disease, and the location of the ear disease based on the feedback information (S1200). In various embodiments, the type of ear disease may include, but is not limited to, otitis externa / otitis media and tinnitus, and may include all diseases that may occur in relation to the ear.

[0140] In the case of otitis externa / otitis media, typical symptoms include hearing loss, such as difficulty hearing sounds or a feeling of fullness in the ear. Feedback information may include a grade based on the degree of fullness, and the disease diagnosis module (3420) can determine whether otitis externa / otitis media applies and the severity of the ear disease based on the grade included in the feedback information.

[0141] In the case of tinnitus, a typical symptom is hearing auditory hallucinations at a specific frequency. The feedback information may include frequency information where the auditory hallucination is heard and the type / magnitude of the hallucination, and the disease diagnosis module (3420) can determine whether it is tinnitus and the degree of ear disease based on the frequency information and the type / magnitude of the hallucination (compared to the minimum masking threshold) in the feedback information.

[0142] The location of the ear disease onset can be identified through the ear to which the test sound is output. For example, the disease diagnosis module (3420) can determine the location of the ear disease onset by outputting the test sound to the user's right ear or left ear at predetermined time intervals.

[0143] Subsequently, the disease diagnosis module (3420) generates treatment information (S1300). The treatment information may include at least one of disease judgment result information and treatment guidance information. Here, the disease judgment result information is information including the result of determining at least one of the type of ear disease, the severity of the ear disease, and the location of the ear disease onset, and the treatment guidance information is information corresponding to the disease judgment result information and may include medication guidance information and tinnitus treatment information.

[0144] The generated treatment guidance information can be provided to the user through the communication module (3100) (S1400), and the user can take medication (medication guidance information) or perform cognitive behavioral therapy (tinnitus treatment information) according to the treatment guidance information displayed on the user terminal (2000).

[0145] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a disease treatment module and a control signal generation module use user information to treat otitis externa / otitis media in one embodiment of the present specification.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 13, the disease treatment module (3430) receives information on ear disease and information on antibiotics currently being taken from the user terminal (2000) (S2000), and generates medication guidance information based on the received information on ear disease and antibiotics (S2100). At this time, the information on ear disease is information related to the type of ear disease (otitis media or otitis externa) and the severity of the ear disease, and the information on antibiotics may include the type of antibiotic, the antibiotic dosage, the antibiotic dosage, and the method of taking the antibiotic.

[0147] Subsequently, the disease treatment module (3430) transmits medication guidance information to the user terminal (2000) via the communication module (3100) (S2200) and transmits a device control signal to the ear disease treatment device (1000) (S2300). Meanwhile, the medication guidance information may include information related to the usage time, timing of use, usage rate, usage period, and method of use for each of the antibiotic and the light output module (100).

[0148] In various embodiments, the medication guidance information may have different values ​​depending on the user's antibiotic information. For example, if the type of antibiotic currently being taken by the user is antibiotic A, which has a low resistance level or strength, the disease treatment module (3430) may provide medication guidance information to use the antibiotic and the ear disease treatment device (1000) simultaneously.

[0149] In contrast, if the type of antibiotic currently being taken by the user is antibiotic B, which has a high degree of resistance or strength, the disease treatment module (3430) can distinguish between the antibiotic administration period and the ear disease treatment device (1000) usage period, and provide medication guidance information to use the ear disease treatment device (1000) after the antibiotic administration period ends.

[0150] That is, according to antibiotic information, the method of taking antibiotics, the time of administration, the frequency of administration, and the dosage are provided differently for each user, and the time of use, frequency of use, and method of use of the light output module (100) are also provided differently for each user, so that customized medication guidance information is provided according to the user's current situation or condition.

[0151] The control signal generation module (3440) generates a device control signal based on ear disease information and antibiotic information (S2100). The generated device control signal is transmitted to the ear disease treatment device (1000) to control the operation of the device and perform ear disease treatment for the user (S2300).

[0152] In various embodiments, the device control signal can operate the optical output module (100) in conjunction with the medication guidance information to correspond to the usage time, usage cycle, and usage method of the provided optical output module (100).

[0153] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a disease treatment module and a control signal generation module treat tinnitus using user information in one embodiment of the present specification. Tinnitus refers to a phenomenon in which a subject experiencing tinnitus subjectively perceives sound regardless of external sound stimulation, and by using the disease treatment module (3430) of the present specification, tinnitus symptoms can be alleviated through various treatment methods.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 14, the disease treatment module (3430) receives tinnitus information from a user terminal (2000) (S3000), and determines the tinnitus frequency and type of tinnitus based on the received tinnitus information (S3100).

[0155] Subsequently, the disease treatment module (3430) generates tinnitus treatment information according to the tinnitus frequency and type of tinnitus (S3200) and transmits it to a user terminal through the communication module (3100) (S3300). At this time, the tinnitus treatment information may include cognitive behavioral therapy.

[0156] Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) refers to a cognitive approach that helps individuals respond to mental health issues, such as tinnitus, by modifying cognitive distortions more rationally to enable behavior, and involves a process of newly perceiving and reinterpreting the environment.

[0157] That is, the disease treatment module (3430) can provide awareness improvement information to the user terminal (2000) to reduce negative reactions related to tinnitus, and can perform cognitive behavioral therapy through continuous user interaction. User interaction can be performed through UI / UX displayed on the user terminal (2000).

[0158] Additionally, the control signal generation module (3440) generates a device control signal according to the tinnitus frequency and type of tinnitus (S3200) and transmits it to the ear disease treatment device through the communication module (3100) (S3400). At this time, the device control signal may include a control signal for an optical output module (100) for performing infrared treatment or a control signal for an acoustic output module (200) for performing sound treatment.

[0159] Specifically, in the case of the light output module (100) control signal, infrared therapy can be performed by controlling the light output module (100) to irradiate infrared rays of at least one frequency onto the treatment area, and in the case of the acoustic output module (200) control signal, sound therapy can be performed by controlling the acoustic output module (200) to output white noise or acoustic waves for tinnitus adaptation. In various embodiments, when performing sound therapy, harmful frequencies can be removed by frequency adjustment, leaving only audible frequencies, thereby protecting the user's hearing.

[0160] Additionally, in various embodiments, user information may include sleep disorder information related to sleep cycles, sleep duration, etc. In this case, the disease treatment module (3430) may generate treatment information and device control signals by determining the sleep disorder based on the sleep disorder information. At this time, the treatment information may include sleep music information.

[0161] Subsequently, the disease treatment module (3430) can treat the sleep disorder by transmitting the generated treatment information to the user terminal and transmitting a device control signal to the ear disease treatment device to output the sleep music included in the sleep music information to the user. The sleep music may be music related to music therapy that relaxes the human mind, such as music with a repeating section of a calm piano or string instrument, and the sleep disorder may include, for example, not only insomnia but also excessive sleep or narcolepsy.

[0162] In the above-described embodiment, otitis media / otitis externa, tinnitus, and sleep disorders were given as examples of treatable diseases, but are not necessarily limited thereto and may include all types of diseases treatable by utilizing the light output module (100) or music output module (200) of the ear disease treatment device, such as Alzheimer's disease.

[0163] Meanwhile, the ear disease treatment device (3000) can communicate with an external server (4000) via a wired or wireless network to transmit and receive information. Here, the external server (4000) may be a hospital's WEB server or a DB server such as an EMR (Electronic Medical Record) or PHR (Personal Health Record), but is not limited thereto and may include any server where the medical records of the hospital and patients are stored.

[0164] Through this, the ear disease treatment device (3000) can transmit user information and disease judgment result information obtained by linking with an external server (4000), and receive feedback information from a medical expert related to the determined disease from the external server (4000) and provide it to the user. In various embodiments, the expert's feedback may be implemented as a chat service or video service for two-way communication between the medical expert and the user. That is, the ear disease treatment device (3000) of this specification can operate as a digital therapeutic agent, and the user can easily receive a diagnosis and treatment for the disease without visiting a hospital.

[0165] In various embodiments, the ear disease treatment device (3000) transmits user information and disease judgment result information to an external server in a first cycle for monitoring, and receives feedback information from the medical expert from the external server in a second cycle. Here, the first cycle and the second cycle may be the same or different from each other.

[0166] In this way, the ear disease treatment device (3000) can continuously monitor the user's condition on an external server (4000) by periodically transmitting information on the results of the disease diagnosis, and the ear disease treatment device (3000) can receive feedback information on the monitoring results periodically as needed, so that the user can receive help with disease treatment at an appropriate time.

[0167] As described above, an ear disease treatment device according to one embodiment of the present specification is equipped with both an optical output module and an acoustic output module, so that various ear diseases can be treated with a single device.

[0168] In addition, an ear disease treatment device according to one embodiment of the present specification can enhance usability and utility and improve treatment effects by performing infrared treatment while listening to music through a light output module and an acoustic output module.

[0169] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention were not explicitly described while explaining the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized.

[0170] By utilizing the present invention, a device that is worn on a user's ear to treat ear-related diseases can be manufactured.

Claims

1. A device worn on a user's ear to treat ear-related diseases, A light output module that generates light of a specific wavelength and irradiates at least one of the inside of the user's ear and the area around the ear; A sound output module that generates sound and transmits it to the user's ears; and It includes a control module that controls the operation of the optical output module and the acoustic output module, and An ear disease treatment device in which the light output module and the acoustic output module are separated so as not to interfere with each other.

2. In Paragraph 1, A housing that accommodates the optical output module and the acoustic output module in an internal space; and It further includes a dual cover coupled to one side of the housing to form a closed structure together with the housing, and The above dual cover is A transparent cover positioned at a location corresponding to the location of the above-mentioned optical output module and An ear disease treatment device comprising a mesh cover positioned at a location corresponding to the location of the above-mentioned acoustic output module.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above optical output module is A light-emitting part that generates the above light; and An ear disease treatment device comprising a reflector plate provided between the light-emitting part and the dual cover to disperse or reflect some of the generated light to the outside.

4. In Paragraph 1, The light of the aforementioned specific wavelength is An ear disease treatment device comprising at least one wavelength among 660nm and 940nm.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above transparent cover is Includes the center and edge portions of the inner surface The above central part is flat so as to transmit the light without refraction, and An ear disease treatment device in which the above-mentioned edge portion forms a curve at least one angle and reflects the light at various angles according to the curve.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above transparent cover is The angle formed on the upper surface of the edge portion and the lower surface of the edge portion are different, and An ear disease treatment device in which the refractive index of the upper surface of the above edge portion is smaller than the refractive index of the lower surface of the above edge portion.

7. In Paragraph 2, An ear disease treatment device in which the transparent cover is located at the center and edge of the dual cover, and the mesh cover is located at a position excluding the location where the transparent cover is provided.

8. In Paragraph 2, An ear disease treatment device in which the mesh cover is located at the edge of the dual cover and the transparent cover is located at the center of the dual cover, so that the light output module irradiates light into the user's ear.

9. In Paragraph 2, An ear disease treatment device in which the mesh cover is located at the center of the dual cover and the transparent cover is located at the edge of the dual cover, so that the light output module irradiates light around the user's ear.

10. In Paragraph 2, An ear disease treatment device in which the transparent cover is located at the center and edge of the dual cover, and the mesh cover is located between the transparent covers, so that the light output module irradiates light around the user's ear and inside the ear.

11. In Paragraph 2, The above optical output module and the above acoustic output module are arranged in a specific shape inside the housing, and The above housing is an ear disease treatment device formed to be detachably connected to the power module so that the area where the light is irradiated is changed according to the user's selection.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above sound output module transmits sound through the user's bones and skin, and An ear disease treatment device in which the light output module is extended and coupled to one side of the sound output module so as to be provided at a position corresponding to the user's ear.

13. In Paragraph 1, The inside of the user's ear includes the external auditory canal and the eardrum, and The area around the user's ear is an ear disease treatment device including the outer ear.

14. In Paragraph 1, An ear disease treatment device further comprising a dehumidification module for removing moisture from the ear and a temperature sensor for preventing burns to the user.

15. In Paragraph 1, The above control module is, Treatment for ear disease that controls the operation of the optical output module to operate independently of the operation of the sound output module or to operate in response to the operation of the sound output module.

16. In Paragraph 15, The above control module is, When controlling the operation of the optical output module to operate in correspondence with the operation of the above-mentioned acoustic output module, An ear disease treatment device that controls the optical output module to operate together with the acoustic output module according to a preset time and a preset period when the acoustic output module starts operating.

17. In Paragraph 1, The above control module is, An ear disease treatment device that controls the light output module to adjust the light output intensity in steps based on at least one of the user's operation, usage time, and degree of ear disease.

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