Patent Application
20130190845
The present disclosure is related to light-based therapy systems, e.g., edge-lit devices and methods for providing dermatological yellow light therapy.
Low level or low-intensity light therapy has been clinically validated for treating a variety of dermatological conditions. For example, low-intensity yellow light therapy has been shown to treat dermatological conditions, such as, for example, wrinkles (e.g., periorbital wrinkles aka “crows feet”), superficial benign vascular lesions such as diffuse redness and telangiectasia or “spider veins”, or superficial benign pigmented lesions such as lentigos (age spots), solar lentigos (sun spots), or ephilides (freckles). One known product that has been developed to provide such low-intensity yellow light therapy includes an array of many LEDs positioned behind a transparent panel for emitting light through the panel and onto the treatment area of the user.
According to certain embodiments, an edge-lit device for providing light-based dermatological treatment is provided. The device may include a panel having internally reflective properties for reflecting light, the panel preferably defining a front surface, a rear surface, a perimeter, and one or more edges extending along at least one or more portions of the perimeter. A rear reflector may be disposed adjacent the rear surface. The device may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned along a panel edge and configured to emit light into the panel such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light may reflect off the rear reflector and projects out of the panel through the panel front surface. The wavelength of the LED-emitted light may be suitable for dermatological treatment, such that LED-emitted light projecting out through the front surface of the panel may be used to provide dermatological treatment to a body part positioned in front of the front surface of the panel.
According to certain embodiments, an edge-lit device for providing light-based dermatological treatment is provided. The device may include a panel having internally reflective properties for reflecting light, the panel defining a front surface, a rear surface, a perimeter, and one or more edges extending along at least one or more portions of the perimeter. A rear reflector may be disposed adjacent the rear surface. The device may also include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned along a panel edge and configured to emit light into the panel such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light may reflect off the rear reflector and projects out of the panel through the panel front surface. The panel may be generally concave in at least one direction.
According to certain embodiments, an edge-lit device for providing light-based dermatological treatment is provided. The device may include a panel having internally reflective properties for reflecting light, the panel defining a front surface, a rear surface, a perimeter, and one or more edges extending along at least one or more portions of the perimeter. A rear reflector may be disposed adjacent the rear surface. The device may also include a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light into the panel such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light projects out through the panel front surface. The plurality of LEDs may include one or more first LEDs that emit light primarily at a first wavelength, and one or more second LEDs that emit light primarily at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength. At least one of the plurality of LEDs may be positioned along a panel edge and configured to emit light into the panel such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light may reflect off the rear reflector and projects out of the panel through the panel front surface.
According to certain embodiments, an edge-lit device for providing light-based dermatological treatment is provided. The device may include a panel having internally reflective properties for reflecting light, the panel defining a front surface, a rear surface, a perimeter, and one or more edges extending along at least one or more portions of the perimeter. A rear reflector may be disposed adjacent the rear surface. The device may also include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned along a panel edge and configured to emit light into the panel such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light may reflect off the rear reflector and projects out of the panel through an illuminating area of the panel front surface. The ratio of (a) the number of LEDs used to illuminate the panel front surface to (b) the illuminating area of the panel front surface may be less than 1 LED per 10 cm̂2.
According to certain embodiments, a dermatological treatment device for a user is provided. The device may include one or more hand detectors, or one or more proximity sensors, and/or a controller. The controller may be configured to (a) receive hand detector signals from the one or more hand detectors; (b) determine, based on the received hand detector signals, whether the user is physically holding the dermatological treatment device; (c) receive proximity sensor signals from the one or more proximity sensors; (d) determine, based on the received proximity sensor signals, whether the user is positioned in a treatment position relative to the dermatological treatment device; and (e) automatically select between different states of operation based at least on the determinations of whether the user is physically holding the dermatological treatment device and whether the user is positioned in a treatment position relative to the dermatological treatment device.
According to certain embodiments, an edge-lit device for providing light-based dermatological treatment is provided. The device may include a first panel section and a second panel section coupled to each other, e.g., by a hinge. Each panel section may have internally reflective properties for reflecting light and defines a front surface, a rear surface, a perimeter, and one or more edges extending along at least one or more portions of the perimeter. Each panel section may include a rear reflector adjacent the rear surface. Each panel section may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned along a panel edge of that panel section and configured to emit light into that panel section such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light may reflect off the rear reflector and projects out of that panel section through the panel front surface of that panel section.
Some embodiments provide a dermatological treatment device comprising: a panel having internally reflective properties for reflecting light, the panel defining a front surface, a rear surface, a perimeter, and one or more edges extending along one or more portions of the perimeter; a rear reflector adjacent the rear surface; and one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned along at least one of the panel edges and configured to emit light into the panel such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light reflects off the rear reflector and projects out of the panel through the panel front surface; wherein a wavelength of the LED-emitted light is suitable for dermatological treatment, such that LED-emitted light projecting out through the front surface of the panel can be used to provide dermatological treatment to a body part positioned in front of the front surface of the panel.
In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises one or more brightness-enhancing layers positioned in front of the panel front surface. In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises one or more protective layers positioned in front of the panel front surface. In a further embodiment, the one or more LEDs are positioned outside the nearest panel edge. In a further embodiment, no LEDs are positioned behind the rear surface of the panel. In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device comprises multiple LEDs positioned along a particular panel edge. In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device comprises one or more LEDs positioned along a first panel edge; and one or more LEDs positioned along a second panel edge generally opposite or perpendicular to the first panel edge. In a further embodiment, the rear reflector comprises a diffuse reflector. In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises one or more edge reflectors extending along at least one panel edge. In a further embodiment, at least one edge reflector comprises a diffuse reflector. In a further embodiment, the one or more LEDs are positioned along one or more first panel edges; and the one or more edge reflectors are positioned along one or more second panel edges. In a further embodiment, the perimeter of the panel generally defines multiple sides; one or more LEDs are positioned along each of one or more of the multiple sides; and edge reflectors are positioned along each other one of the multiple sides. In a further embodiment, the panel is generally concave in at least one direction. In a further embodiment, the panel is generally concave about a first axis and also generally concave about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. In a further embodiment, the degree of concavity about the first axis is greater than the degree of concavity about the second axis. In a further embodiment, at least one of the LEDs primarily emits yellow light at a wavelength of about 590 nm. In a further embodiment, the one or more LEDs include different LEDs that emit different wavelengths of light. In a further embodiment, the one or more LEDs include at least one LED that primarily emits yellow light at a wavelength of 590 nm+/−10 nm and at least one LED that primarily emits infrared light at a wavelength of 870 nm+/−20 nm. In a further embodiment, the one or more LEDs include at least one yellow light LED that primarily emits yellow light and at least one infrared LED that primarily emits infrared light. In a further embodiment, the one or more LEDs include more yellow light LEDs than infrared LEDs. In a further embodiment, at least one infrared LED is positioned between two yellow light LEDs along a side of the panel. In a further embodiment, the one or more LEDs include between 7 and 10 yellow light LEDs and between 5 and 10 infrared LEDs. In a further embodiment, the perimeter of the panel generally defines multiple sides; and different LEDs that emit different wavelengths of light are positioned along the same side of the panel. In a further embodiment, the panel is formed from acrylic. In a further embodiment, the panel comprises a bi-stable structure. In a further embodiment, the rear reflector includes one or more reflector scattering features that cause diffuse reflections of the LED-emitted light. In a further embodiment, at least one of the panel front surface and the panel rear surface includes internal reflection frustrating features that increase the external transmission of LED-emitted light from within the panel. In a further embodiment, the internal reflection frustrating features are distributed non-uniformly over the area of the panel.
In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises one or more light intensity uniformity features configured to alter the relative amounts of LED-emitted light projecting out of different areas of the panel front surface, such that the intensity of light projecting from the panel is generally uniform over the area of the panel front surface, the one or more light intensity uniformity features including at least one of: one or more reflector scattering features associated with the rear reflector; one or more internal reflection frustrating features associated with at least one of the panel front surface and the panel rear surface; and one or more curves in the panel. In a further embodiment, the one or more light intensity uniformity features provide a uniformity of light projection of +/−30% over the area of the panel front surface. In a further embodiment, the one or more light intensity uniformity features provide a uniformity of light projection of +/−20% over the area of the panel front surface. In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises one or more light intensity non-uniformity features configured to alter the relative amounts of LED-emitted light projecting out of different areas of the panel front surface, such that the intensity of light projecting through a first area of the panel front surface is greater than the intensity of light projecting through a second area of the panel front surface. In a further embodiment, the one or more light intensity non-uniformity features includes at least one of: one or more reflector scattering features associated with the rear reflector; one or more internal reflection frustrating features associated with at least one of the panel front surface and the panel rear surface; and one or more curves in the panel.
In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises a heat sink configured to remove heat from multiple LEDs. In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises one or more fans configured to cool the one or more LEDs. In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises a controller configured to operate the one or more LEDs in a pulsed manner. In a further embodiment, the controller is configured to pulse the one or more LEDs at a frequency of about 3 Hz. In a further embodiment, the controller is configured to pulse the one or more LEDs between “light” periods of about 250 ms and “dark” periods of about 100 ms. In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises one or more hand detectors configured to detect whether a user is physically holding the dermatological treatment device.
In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises a controller configured to automatically switch from a first operational state and a second operational state in response to the one or more hand detectors detecting that the user is physically holding the dermatological treatment device. In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises one or more proximity sensors configured to determine whether a user is positioned in a treatment position relative to the dermatological treatment device. In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises a controller configured to automatically switch from a first operational state and a second operational state in response to the one or more proximity sensors detecting that the user is positioned in a treatment position relative to the dermatological treatment device. In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises a controller configured to operate the one or more LEDs in a pulsed manner such that the LEDs alternate between “light” and “dark” periods; and wherein the proximity sensors are activated only during the “dark” periods of the one or more LEDs.
In a further embodiment, the panel comprises at least a first panel section and a second panel section coupled to each other; the one or more LEDs include: one or more first LEDs positioned to emit light through an edge of the first panel section; and one or more second LEDs positioned to emit light through an edge of the second panel section. In a further embodiment, the first and second panel sections are coupled to each other such that when the first and second panel sections are positioned in an open position, a first edge surface of the first panel section faces a second edge surface of the second panel section; and at least one of the first edge surface of the first panel section and the second edge surface of the second panel section is covered by an edge reflector. In a further embodiment, the first and second panel sections are coupled to each other such that when the first and second panel sections are positioned in an open position, a first edge surface of the first panel section faces a second edge surface of the second panel section; and the first edge surface and the second edge surface are optically active such that LED-emitted light flows between the first and second panel sections across the boundary between the first and second edge surfaces. In a further embodiment, the first and second panel sections are coupled to each other such that when the first and second panel sections are positioned in an open position, a first edge surface of the first panel section faces a second edge surface of the second panel section; and one or more connection ports or other user interfaces are formed in at least one of the first edge surface of the first panel section and the second edge surface of the second panel section.
In a further embodiment, during a treatment state of operation, a current of at least 100 mA is applied to each of the one or more LEDs. In a further embodiment, during a treatment state of operation, a power of at least 50 mW optical output is generated by each LED. In a further embodiment, the panel front surface has an illuminating area; and the ratio of (a) the number of LEDs used to illuminate the panel front surface to (b) the illuminating area of the panel front surface is less than 1 LED per 10 cm̂2. In a further embodiment, the panel front surface has an illuminating area; and the ratio of the number of LEDs used to illuminate the panel front surface to the illuminating area of the panel front surface is less than 1 LED per 25 cm̂2.
Another embodiment provides a dermatological treatment device, comprising: a panel having internally reflective properties for reflecting light, the panel defining a front surface, a rear surface, a perimeter, and one or more edges extending along one or more portions of the perimeter; a rear reflector adjacent the rear surface; and one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned along at least one of the panel edges and configured to emit light into the panel such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light reflects off the rear reflector and projects out of the panel through the panel front surface; wherein the panel is generally concave in at least one direction.
In a further embodiment, the panel is generally concave about a first axis and also generally concave about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. In a further embodiment, the degree of concavity about the first axis is greater than the degree of concavity about the second axis.
Another embodiment provides a dermatological treatment device, comprising: a panel having internally reflective properties for reflecting light, the panel defining a front surface, a rear surface, a perimeter, and one or more edges extending along one or more portions of the perimeter; a rear reflector adjacent the rear surface; and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light into the panel such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light projects out through the panel front surface, including: one or more first LEDs that emit light primarily at a first wavelength; and one or more second LEDs that emit light primarily at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength; and wherein at least one of the plurality of LEDs is positioned along one the panel edges and configured to emit light into the panel such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light reflects off the rear reflector and projects out of the panel through the panel front surface.
In a further embodiment, the one or more first LEDs primarily emit yellow light; and the one or more second LEDs primarily emit infrared light. In a further embodiment, the plurality of LEDs includes more yellow light LEDs than infrared LEDs. In a further embodiment, at least one infrared LED is positioned between two yellow light LEDs along a side of the panel. In a further embodiment, the plurality of LEDs includes between 7 and 10 yellow light LEDs and between 5 and 10 infrared LEDs. In a further embodiment, the perimeter of the panel generally defines multiple sides; and at least one yellow light LED and at least one infrared LED are positioned along the same side of the panel. In a further embodiment, the one or more first LEDs primarily emit yellow light at a wavelength of 590 nm+/−10 nm; and the one or more second LEDs primarily emit infrared light at a wavelength of 870 nm+/−20 nm.
Another embodiment provides a dermatological treatment device, comprising: a panel having internally reflective properties for reflecting light, the panel defining a front surface, a rear surface, a perimeter, and one or more edges extending along one or more portions of the perimeter, wherein the panel front surface has an illuminating area; a rear reflector adjacent the rear surface; and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned along at least one of the panel edges and configured to emit light into the panel such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light reflects off the rear reflector and projects out of the panel through the illuminating area of the panel front surface; wherein the ratio of (a) the number of LEDs used to illuminate the panel front surface to (b) the illuminating area of the panel front surface is less than 1 LED per 10 cm̂2.
Another embodiment provides a dermatological treatment device for a user, comprising: one or more hand detectors; and one or more proximity sensors; and a controller configured to: receive hand detector signals from the one or more hand detectors; determine, based on the received hand detector signals, whether the user is physically holding the dermatological treatment device, receive proximity sensor signals from the one or more proximity sensors; determine, based on the received proximity sensor signals, whether the user is positioned in a treatment position relative to the dermatological treatment device; and automatically select between different states of operation based at least on the determinations of whether the user is physically holding the dermatological treatment device and whether the user is positioned in a treatment position relative to the dermatological treatment device.
In a further embodiment, the controller is configured to: automatically switch from a first operational state to a second operational state in response to the one or more hand detectors detecting that the user is physically holding the dermatological treatment device; and automatically switch from the second operational state to the one or more proximity sensors detecting that the user is positioned in a treatment position relative to the dermatological treatment device. In a further embodiment, the first operational state is an “off” state; the second operational state is a “standby” state in which the one or more LEDs are activated to emit from the panel a ready state light intensity that is lower than a treatment state light intensity; and the third operational state is a “treatment” state in which the one or more LEDs are activated to emit the treatment state light intensity. In a further embodiment, the controller is further configured to automatically switch from the third operational state to the second operational state if the one or more hand detectors detect that the user is no longer physically holding the dermatological treatment device. In a further embodiment, the controller is further configured to automatically switch from the third operational state to the second operational state if the one or more proximity sensors detect that the user is no longer positioned in the treatment position relative to the dermatological treatment device.
In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device comprises a plurality of proximity sensors configured to take proximity readings at different locations on the user's body; and wherein the controller is configured to: determine, based on the received proximity sensor signals, multiple distances between the user and the dermatological treatment device; and compare the determined multiple distances to corresponding predetermined distance ranges to automatically determine whether the user is positioned in the treatment position relative to the dermatological treatment device. In a further embodiment, the plurality of proximity sensors includes a forehead proximity sensor and a chin proximity sensor.
Another embodiment provides a dermatological treatment device, comprising: a first panel section; a second panel section coupled to the first panel section; each panel section having internally reflective properties for reflecting light and having a front surface, a rear surface, a perimeter, and one or more edges extending along one or more portions of the perimeter; each panel section having a rear reflector adjacent the rear surface; and each panel section having one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned along at least one of the panel edges of that panel section and configured to emit light into that panel section such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light reflects off the rear reflector and projects out of that panel section through the panel front surface of that panel section. In a further embodiment, the panel sections are coupled together by a hinge.
Another embodiment provides a dermatological treatment device, comprising: a panel having internally reflective properties for reflecting light, the panel defining a front surface, a rear surface, a perimeter, and one or more edges extending along one or more portions of the perimeter; a rear reflector adjacent the rear surface; and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light into the panel such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light projects out through the panel front surface; wherein at least one of the LEDs emits both (a) yellow light at a first wavelength and (b) infrared light at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength; and wherein the at least one LED is positioned along at least one of the panel edges and configured to emit light into the panel such that at least a portion of the LED-emitted light reflects off the rear reflector and projects out of the panel through the panel front surface. In a further embodiment, at least one of the LEDs emits both (a) yellow light at a wavelength of about 590 nm and (b) infrared light at a wavelength of about 870 nm.
Another embodiment provides a method of treating skin using a dermatological treatment device comprising: aligning a treatment device with skin to be treated wherein the treatment device comprises a panel configured to emit light having internally reflective properties for reflecting light, the panel defining a front surface, a rear surface, a perimeter, and one or more edges extending along one or more portions of the perimeter; and causing the panel to emit light onto the skin with the following characteristics: a treatment time of approximately 15 seconds, a pulse rate of approximately 60 Hz, and a peak irradiance of 6 mW/cm2; wherein the emitted light includes light emitted at wavelengths within a band of about 521 nm to about 604 nm. In a further embodiment, the dermatological treatment device further comprises a reflective coating on the panel to at least partially reflect external light to allow use as a mirror.
Some embodiments of the disclosure may be understood by referring, in part, to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to the same or like parts and wherein:
Selected embodiments of the disclosure may be understood by reference, in part, to
For the purposes of this disclosure, an “edge-lit” panel is defined as an internally-reflective panel having at least one LED that emits light into the panel through (a) an edge surface of the panel or (b) through a non-edge surface (e.g., a front or rear surface) of the panel proximate an edge surface of the panel, and wherein the light emitted from the at least one LED into the panel generally reflects internally within the panel before projecting out through a front surface of the panel. Further, for the purposes of this disclosure, an edge-lit apparatus or device is defined as any apparatus or device having an edge-lit panel as defined above.
Thus, an “edge-lit” device or apparatus is distinguished from devices or apparatuses in which all LEDs are positioned behind a panel and configured to emit light directly through the panel, without internal reflection of the LED light within the panel.
Dermatological treatment device 10 is generally operable to apply low-intensity light treatment to the skin of user 12 to treat one or more various dermatological conditions. As shown in
Panel 14 may be formed from any one or more materials having internally reflective properties for reflecting light, such that panel 14 acts as a light-guide or wave-guide. For example, panel 14 may be an acrylic panel. As other examples, panel 14 may be a polycarbonate panel, a suitably coated or enclosed glass panel, or chemically strengthened alkali-aluminosilicate sheet glass. Panel 14 may be planar or may include one or more curves, bends, or other non-planar contours. Some examples of planar panels 14 are shown, e.g., in
In some embodiments, panel 14 may designed to be partially reflective to external light to allow the device to operate as a mirror when not operating in a light treatment mode. In some embodiments, the reflectivity of external light may be approximately 50%. For example, panel 14 could be incorporated into a bathroom mirror. In another example, panel 14 could be incorporated into a mirrored compact to allow discrete portability.
In some embodiments, one or more layers may be applied to the panel front surface 20. For example, one or more brightness-enhancing layers 26 and/or one or more protective layers 28 may be applied to panel 14. Brightness-enhancing layers 26 and/or protective layers 28 may comprise any suitable films, sheets, coatings, or other types of layers, and may be applied to panel 14 in any suitable manner (e.g., by mechanical fasteners, adhesive, heat treatment, chemical process, or by spraying or painting, for example). Brightness-enhancing layers 26 may, for example, be formed a prismatic film. Protective layers 28 may, for example, be formed from a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate).
One or more LEDs 16 may be positioned along one or more portions of an edge, e.g., edge 24. For example, in the embodiment shown in
Any suitable number (zero, one, or more) of LEDs may be provided along each side edge 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d. Some example embodiments include:
In embodiments with multiple LEDs along more than one side edge, the same number or different numbers of LEDs may be provided along the different side edges.
In embodiments in which the perimeter generally does not have defined sides, e.g., a circular or oval shaped panel 14, any suitable number of LEDs 16 may be positioned along one or more portions of the perimeter edge 24, or along the entire perimeter edge 24.
LEDs 16 are positioned along edge 24 such that light emitted from the LEDs enters into panel 14 through edge 24, is internally reflected any number of times within the thickness of panel 14, and projects out through one or more surfaces of panel 14.
In some embodiments, device 10 includes one or more reflectors for directing the LED-emitted light out through one or more particular surfaces of panel 14. For example, device 10 may include reflectors for directing the LED-emitted light out through only the front surface 20 of panel 14, or through only the front surface 20 and one or more particular side edges 24a-24d of panel 14. Thus, device 10 may include a rear panel reflector 30 covering the panel rear surface 22, and one or more edge reflectors 32 covering one or more portions of panel edge 24. One, some, or all reflectors 30 and 32 may comprise diffuse reflectors formed from any suitable diffuse reflective material(s), such as white plastic or a reflective oxide layer (e.g., Al2O3 or TiO2), for example. Reflectors 30 and 32 may have any suitable structure (e.g., rigid or semi-rigid panels, thin metallic films, or coatings, for example) and may be coupled, bonded, or applied to the surfaces of panel 14 in any suitable manner (e.g., by mechanical fasteners, adhesive, heat treatment, chemical process, or by spraying or painting, for example).
In the embodiment shown in
Device 10 may include a frame or housing and/or a bezel. For example,
Reflectors 30 and/or 32 may be coupled, bonded, or applied to the outer surfaces of panel 14 and/or to the inner surfaces of housing 40. Alternatively, reflectors 30 and/or 32 may be formed integral with housing 40. For example, reflectors 30 and/or 32 may simply comprise the inner surfaces of housing 40. Panel 14 may be coupled to or mounted in housing 40 in any suitable manner, such as by mechanical fasteners, adhesive, heat treatment, or chemical process, for example.
In some embodiments, all LEDs 16 are positioned outside the illuminating area 46 of the front surface 20 and proximate the perimeter 50 defined by panel edge(s) 24. In these embodiments, no LEDs 16 are positioned behind the rear surface 22 of panel 14. For example, in the embodiments shown in
As another example, e.g., as shown in the embodiment in
Other embodiments include one or more LEDs 16 positioned outside the illuminating area 46 of the front surface 20, and one or more LEDs 16 positioned within the illuminating area 46 of the front surface 20. For example, one embodiment includes one or more first LEDs 16 positioned outside a perimeter edge 24 of panel 14 and emit light into panel 14 through the edge 24 (as discussed above with reference to
LEDs 16 may include one type of LED or multiple different types of LEDs. In some embodiments, all LEDs 16 are yellow light LEDs that primarily emit yellow light. For example, LEDs 16 may primarily emit yellow light at a wavelength of about 590 nm+/−20 nm. In some embodiments, some or all yellow light LEDs 16 may simultaneously emit a secondary infrared emission. For example, in some embodiments, some or all yellow light LEDs 16 emitting 590 nm wavelength yellow light may simultaneously emit a secondary infrared emission with a wavelength of about 870 nm. The secondary infrared emission of such yellow light LEDs may provide one or more photobiological effects, e.g., for treating dermatological condition(s), tanning, aiding in vitamin D synthesis, reducing the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or for providing any other benefits to the user's health or appearance.
Embodiments including yellow light LEDs 16 may include any suitable number of yellow light LEDs to provide the desired intensity of yellow light delivered to the user. For example, in certain embodiments, device 10 may include a suitable number of yellow light LEDs to provide a generally uniform yellow light intensity over the illuminating area 46 of about 4 mW/cm2.
In other embodiments, LEDs 16 may include one or more yellow light LEDs that primarily emit yellow light and one or more LEDs that primarily emit a different wavelength of visible or non-visible light. For example, LEDs 16 may include one or more yellow light LEDs that primarily emit yellow light and one or more infrared LEDs that primarily emit infrared light. For instance, in some embodiments, a device 10 may include one or more yellow light LEDs that primarily emit yellow light at a wavelength of 590 nm+/−10 nm and one or more infrared LEDs that primarily emit infrared light at a wavelength of 870 nm+/−20 nm.
In embodiments that include both yellow light LEDs and non-yellow light LEDs (e.g., infrared LEDs), the different LEDs may be arranged in any suitable manner relative to panel 14 and relative to each other. For example, device 10 may include yellow light LEDs arranged along one or more side edges 24a-24d of panel 14, and infrared LEDs arranged along one or more other side edges 24a-24d of panel 14. As another example, yellow light LEDs and infrared LEDs may be arranged along the same side edge 24a-24d, with the different LED types grouped together or intermixed with each other. One or more infrared LEDs may be arranged in line between two yellow light LEDs, and vice versa. For example, yellow light LEDs and infrared LEDs may be arranged in an alternating manner, in a regular or irregular pattern.
LEDs 16 may be spaced apart from each other along one or more side edges 24a-24d in any suitable manner, regardless of whether device 10 includes one or multiple types of LEDs. For example, as discussed above, LEDs 16 may be uniformly spaced apart from each other, or non-uniformly but symmetrically spaced apart from each other, or non-uniformly and non-symmetrically spaced apart from each other, along one or more side edges 24a-24d.
As discussed above, in some embodiments, the configuration (e.g., the number, location, spacing, orientation, etc.) of LEDs 16 is designed to provide a light output uniformity of +/−30% over the entire (or substantially entire) illuminating area 46. In particular embodiments, the configuration (e.g., the number, location, spacing, orientation, etc.) of LEDs 16 is designed to provide a light output uniformity of +/−20% over the entire (or substantially entire) illuminating area 46.
In some embodiments, LEDs 16 may include one or more Philips Luxeon Rebel Phospher Converted Amber LEDs (for yellow light or primarily yellow light emissions) and one or more Light-on HSDL-44xx IR Emitters (for infrared light or primarily infrared light emissions). In one example embodiment, device 10 includes two panel sections 14a and 14b, and for lighting each panel section, eight Philips Luxeon Rebel Phospher Converted Amber LEDs and eight Light-on HSDL-44xx IR Emitters.
Device 10 may include any one or more types of intensity control features designed to provide a desired pattern of light intensity emitted by panel 14 by influencing reflection of light emitted by LEDs 16, e.g., to increase the total light intensity emitted from panel 14, to provide a generally uniform intensity of emitted light over the illuminating area 46 of panel 14, or to provide an intentionally non-uniform intensity of emitted light from panel 14 over the illuminating area 46.
Types of intensity control features include, for example, (a) scattering or diffusive features 60 associated with reflectors 30 and/or 32, (b) internal reflection frustrating features 62 associated with the panel front surface 20 and/or the panel rear surface 22, and (c) curves or other non-planar contours in panel 14. Device 10 may include any one or more of these features in any combination. For example,
Scattering or diffusive features 60 associated with reflectors 30 and/or 32 may include any features that increase or decrease the diffusiveness of reflectors 30 and/or 32, e.g., surface abrasions or roughness, or granular coatings.
Internal reflection frustrating features 62 include any features on panel front surface 20 and/or the panel rear surface 22 that cause light to transmit through the respective surface 20 or 22 rather than reflect internally (within panel 14) off that surface 20 or 22. Specifically, light which strikes the relevant surface 20 or 22 at an angle larger than the relevant critical angle with respect to the normal to the surface 20 or 22 is redirected by features 62 through the respective surface 20 or 22 (and out of panel 14), rather than reflecting internally (within panel 14) off the respective surface 20 or 22. Thus, such features are said to “frustrate” (i.e., reduce) the internal reflection of light within panel 14. Internal reflection frustrating features 62 may include, e.g., surface abrasions, roughness, cuts, or any other non-planar features in surface 20 or 22. In some embodiments, panel 14 includes internal reflection frustrating features 62 on panel rear surface 22 such that LED-emitted light strikes rear surface 22, is transmitted out through rear surface 22, then reflects off rear reflector 30 and through panel 14 and toward the user. Thus, adding internal reflection frustrating features 62 to a particular area of panel 14 generally increases the emission intensity from that area of panel 14, relative to other areas. Further, the greater the concentration of internal reflection frustrating features 62 in a particular area of panel 14, the greater the emission intensity from that area of panel 14, relative to other areas. Internal reflection frustrating features 62 may be used separate from, or in combination with, scattering or diffusive features 60 on reflectors 30 and/or 32.
Any of intensity control features discussed above may be used either for providing a generally uniform intensity of emitted light over illuminating area 46 or for providing an intentionally non-uniform intensity of emitted light from panel 14 over the illuminating area 46, depending on how the particular features are oriented or distributed throughout the device. For example, to provide a generally uniform intensity of emitted light over illuminating area 46, internal reflection frustrating features 62 may be provided in a predetermined pattern with increasing concentration as a function of increasing distance from LEDs 16, e.g., as illustrated in
As discussed above, in some embodiments, the configuration (e.g., the number, location, spacing, orientation, etc.) of LEDs is designed to provide a light output uniformity of +/−30%, or even +/−20%, over the entire (or substantially entire) illuminating area 46. In such embodiments, features 60 and/or 62 may further increase the light output uniformity over illuminating area 46.
As another example, internal reflection frustrating features 62 may be provided in a predetermined pattern of varying concentrations such that one or more selected regions (e.g., the top, bottom, left, right, and/or center) of illuminating area 46 emit light at a higher intensity than other regions. Such patterns may be used, for example, to provide a non-uniform intensity profile designed to correspond to non-planar or irregular contours of a body part to be treated by device 10. For instance, a device 10 having a planar panel 14 intended for treating a three-dimensionally curved body part (e.g., the head or thigh) may include a pattern of features 62 designed to provide higher emission intensity from the outer portions of illuminating area 46 (as compared to the center of area 46), in order to compensate for the greater distance between the outer portions of illuminating area 46 and the treated body part (as compared to the distance between the center of area 46 and the treated body part). In this manner, a non-uniform light emission intensity over area 46 can deliver a relatively uniform light intensity to the treatment area.
In some embodiments, illustrated in
Device 10 may include any suitable passive and/or active heat control systems for controlling heat generated by any heat-generating components of device 10 (e.g., LEDs 16 and/or other electronic components). Such heat control systems may be configured, for example, to dissipate heat (e.g., to spread heat generally evenly across device 10 or an area of device 10, or to transfer heat toward an outer surface for external dissipation) or to move heat away from particular areas of device 10 (e.g., generally away from the user's hands).
In some embodiments, device 10 includes a fully passive heat control system including one or more thermally conductive elements (e.g., one or more heat sinks or other conductive elements) physically coupled to one or more heat-generating components of device 10. One or more thermally conductive elements may extend along the outer surfaces of device 10 or within the thickness of device 10. In some embodiments, one or more portions of housing 40, or other outer surfaces of device 10, may be formed from a thermally conductive material, in order to dissipate or transfer the heat across device 10 as desired.
Alternatively, or in addition to such passive heat control systems, device 10 may include any suitable active heat control systems, such as one or more powered fans, for example. In the example embodiment shown in
In one example embodiment, 16 LEDs are arranged on a passive aluminum heat sink 72 having dimensions of about 0.6 cm thick, 1.1 cm wide, and 12 cm long.
As discussed above, panel 14 may be planar or may include one or more curves, bends, or other non-planar contours. Further, device 10 may include a single panel 14 or multiple panel sections that cooperate in any suitable manner. For example, in the embodiments shown in
In some embodiments, panel 14 may be substantially planar. In other embodiments, panel 14 may be curved or may include one or more curved portions. More specifically, panel 14 may include one or more concave portions, one or more convex portions, one or more planar portions, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, panel 14 may be curved to correspond to the curved shape of one or more particular body parts (e.g., the face, hand, thigh, etc.). For example, panel 14 may be generally concave to correspond to the general curve of a user's face, e.g., as shown in the embodiments of
In
Connection 120 may be any type of connection for coupling housing sections 40a and 40b to each other. For example, connection 120 may be a rigid connection, a flexible connection, a pivoting connection (e.g., a hinged connection), a sliding connection, a releasable connection (such that panel sections 14a and 14b may be separated from each other for storage), or any other type of connection.
Panel 14 shown in
As discussed herein, panel 14 may have any an illuminated area 46 of any suitable shape and size. In some embodiments, e.g., for treating the face, the illuminated area 46 of panel 14 may be between 250 and 500 cm2. For example, in specific embodiments, e.g., for treating the face, panel 14 may be generally concave about at least one axis and may have an illuminated area 46 between about 300 cm2 and about 400 cm2. In some embodiments, e.g., for treating the face, panel 14 may be generally concave about at least one axis and may have an illuminated area 46 of about 350 cm2. In some embodiments, the illuminated area 46 of a generally concave panel 14 may have a height of about 13-17 cm, an internal side-to-side width (measured along a straight line) of about 15-19 cm, and a internal center arc depth of about 6-10 cm, such that the illuminating area 46 is about 350 cm2.
In embodiments in which panel 14 includes two or more panel sections (e.g., 14a, 14b, etc.), each panel section may have the same shape and/or size, or different shapes and/or sizes. For example, in some embodiments, panel 14 includes two panel sections 14a and 14b having the same shape and size, e.g., the example embodiments shown in
In other embodiments, e.g., for spot treating the face or for treating other smaller areas, the illuminated area 46 of panel 14 may be between about 19 and about 78 cm2. For example, in some embodiment embodiments, e.g., for spot treating the face or for treating other smaller areas, panel 14 may be generally flat or generally concave about at least one axis and may have an illuminated area 46 of about 1 cm2.
Device 10 may include any number and types of sensors for detecting or measuring one or more various parameters, such as, for example: (a) detecting whether the user 12 is holding device 10, (b) detecting whether device 10 is in a treatment configuration (e.g., for devices with a hinged housing, detecting whether the device is folded open), (c) detecting whether the treatment area of the user 12 is positioned in a predetermined “treatment position” relative to device 10, (d) detecting for an overheated condition, and/or any other suitable types of sensors. As discussed in greater detail below with reference to
Facial proximity sensors 80 may include any suitable sensor or sensors for detecting or measuring the proximity of the user 12 to device 12. Proximity sensors 80 may be located in any suitable location on device 10. For example, as shown in
Proximity sensors 80 may take proximity readings at any suitable times, in any suitable frequency and/or pattern, continuously, non-continuously, upon some predetermined triggering event(s), or according to any other algorithm. For example, proximity sensors 80 may begin taking readings once device 10 is turned on, or enters a particular operational state (e.g., “ready” state). Proximity sensors 80 may then continue to take readings at a suitable frequency (e.g., at one second intervals) as long as device 10 remains turned on, or remains in one or more particular operational states (e.g., “ready” state or “treatment” state). In some embodiments in which LEDs 16 are operated in a pulsed manner, proximity sensors 80 may take readings only between LED pulses (e.g., during “dark” periods shown in
In some embodiments, device 10 includes a single proximity sensor 80, for determining a single distance between the user's face and device 12. For example, with reference to
In other embodiments, device 10 includes multiple proximity sensors positioned at different locations on device 10, or directed at different angles, or both, in order to determine multiple distances between the user's face and device 10. Signals from multiple proximity sensors 80 can thus be processed by controller 92 to determine the distance between device 10 and multiple different locations on the user's face. Thus, device 10 may determine the distance between the user's face and device 10, as well as the angular orientation and/or lateral positioning of the user's face relative to device 10. For example, a pair of proximity sensors 80a and 80d (or 80c and 80d) located near the top and bottom of device 10, respectively, can be used to determine the up-down angular orientation of the user's face relative to device 10. As another example, a pair of sensors 80 located near the right and left edges of device 10, respectively, can be used to determine the left-right angular orientation of the user's face relative to device 10. Proximity sensors 80a and 80c positioned near the upper portion of device 10 may be referred to as forehead sensors, while proximity sensors 80b and 80d positioned near the lower portion of device 10 may be referred to as chin sensors. Further, three, four, or more proximity sensors 80 positioned at different locations on device 10, or directed at different angles, or both, may be used to determine multiple different angular orientations of the user's face relative to device 10.
Signals from multiple proximity sensors 80 can be processed to determine whether the user's face is within a predetermined acceptable treatment distance from device 10, as well as within predetermined acceptable ranges for one or more angular orientations and/or lateral positioning of the user's face relative to device 10 (e.g., in order for treatment to begin or continue). In practice, controller 92 may compare proximity readings from multiple proximity sensors 80 to predetermined acceptable ranges for each respective sensor, and determine whether the user's face is positioned in a “treatment position” based on the number of proximity readings falling within the corresponding acceptable ranges. For example, controller 92 may require that the readings from all proximity sensors 80 fall within their acceptable ranges, or some other predetermined minimum number (e.g., acceptable readings from 3 out of 4 sensors). Alternatively, controller 92 may calculate values for one or more facial angles or other position indicators based on proximity readings from multiple proximity sensors 80, and then compare such values to predetermined acceptable ranges for each respective value, and determine whether the user's face is positioned in a “treatment position” based on the number of proximity readings falling within the corresponding acceptable ranges (e.g., requiring all or some other predetermined minimum number of acceptable readings, as discussed above).
As discussed above, and shown in
With reference to
Hand detectors 82 may take detection readings at any suitable times, in any suitable frequency and/or pattern, continuously, non-continuously, upon some predetermined triggering event(s), or according to any other algorithm. For example, hand detectors 82 may begin taking readings once device 10 is turned on. In some embodiments, hand detectors 82 are continuously detecting sensors.
As discussed above, and shown in
In addition, if device 10 is moveable between treatment and non-treatment configurations (e.g., between open and closed configurations), device 10 may include one or more device configuration sensors 86, e.g., as shown in
For example, with reference to
Device 10 may include any suitable power and control system for powering and controlling the various operations of the device.
User input elements 90 may include any elements or devices allowing a user to provide input to device 10, e.g., one or more physical or virtual buttons, switches, knobs, sliders, or other interactive elements. Virtual elements may be provided via one or more interactive touchscreens, which may be integrated with, or separate from, display device 100. User input elements 90 may be provided, for example, for turning the device on or off, resetting the device, adjusting the intensity of LED light treatment, adjusting the duration of a treatment session, locking the device (e.g., preventing the device from automatically turning on in response to hand detection and/or face proximity detection), etc. User input elements 90 may include a wake-up button to signal a transition from a low-power “sleep” state into a “ready” state.
Controller 92 may include any suitable electronic components for controlling the operation of device 10, such as controlling a display device 100, controlling the current operational state of device 10 (e.g., transitioning between “off”, “ready”, and “treatment” states), and generating alarms. For example, controller 92 may include a processor 94 and memory 96. Memory 96 may store algorithms or other program instructions 98, e.g., as embodied in software and/or firmware, that are executable by processor 94 for providing any of the functionality of device 10 discussed herein. Processor 94 may comprise any system, device, or apparatus operable to interpret and/or execute software or program instructions and/or process data associated with device 10 (e.g., user input received via user input elements 90 and/or signals from various sensors 80, 82, 84, and 86), and may include, without limitation, a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuitry. Controller 92 be programmed to transition from a low-power “sleep” state to a “ready” state based on an input from user input element 90 and to transition from the “ready” state to a low-power “sleep” state after a period of inactivity.
Memory 96 is communicatively coupled to processor 94 and may include any computer-readable media suitable for storing any data or logic associated with device 10, including program instructions 98. For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may include any instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retain data and/or instructions for a period of time, e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or flash memory; and/or any combination of such memory types.
Program instructions 98 may define any suitable rules, algorithms, or logic for controlling the operation of device 10. As one example, program instructions 98 may define rules or algorithms that specify when and how controller 92 transitions between different operational states of device 10, e.g., defining when and how to transition between “off”, “ready”, and “treatment” states based on various inputs, such as user input received via user input elements 90 and/or signals from various sensors 80, 82, 84, and 86, for example. Program instructions 98 may be embodied as software, firmware, or a combination thereof.
Display device 100 may include any suitable device for electronically displaying information to user 12. For example, display device 100 may comprise an LCD display, an active matrix display (e.g., a thin-film transistor (TFT) display), an LED display, etc. Display device 100 may be located at any suitable location on device 10. For example, display device 100 may be integrated into the rear housing of device 10, e.g., as shown in the embodiments of
Time cartridge 115 may comprise a removable cartridge that records (e.g., using a timer or counter) the treatment time or number of treatment sessions provided by device 10 over time. Time cartridge 115 may specify a preset treatment time and/or number of treatment sessions that can be provided by device 10 before the cartridge must be replaced with a new cartridge (or replenished with more treatment time or treatment sessions). Time cartridge 115 may maintain a running total of the treatment time and/or number of treatment sessions remaining on cartridge 115 by decrementing the remaining treatment time or remaining number of sessions during or after each treatment session. For example, time cartridge 115 may specify a preset treatment time of 30 minutes. After each treatment session (e.g., 30 seconds), the remaining treatment time is decremented by 30 seconds and recorded, such that after five treatments the remaining treatment time recorded on cartridge 115 is 27:30. In some embodiments, the treatment time maintained on cartridge 115 is only decremented after a successfully completed session. In other embodiments, the treatment time is decremented by any period of treatment time, even if the treatment is interrupted and not completed. The remaining treatment time or number of sessions for the currently inserted cartridge 115 may be displayed on display device 100, as discussed below.
In other embodiments, rather than decrementing the remaining treatment time or remaining number of sessions on time cartridge 115, time cartridge 115 may maintain an incremented running total of the treatment time and/or number of treatment sessions on cartridge 115 by incrementing the used treatment time or number of used sessions during or after each treatment session. In such embodiments, the time cartridge 115 must be replaced with a new cartridge (or replenished with more treatment time or treatment sessions) once the incremented running total treatment time and/or number of treatment sessions reaches a predetermined number.
In some embodiments, device 10 may be configured such that it can only operate (or at least, enter the treatment state) if a time cartridge 115 having remaining treatments time or sessions is connected to/inserted into device 10 as required. Thus, when the specified treatment time or number of treatment sessions for time cartridge 115 have been used up, device 10 will no longer provide treatments, and the user must replace or replenish the cartridge. In addition, time cartridge 115 may be used as a security or safety device, or essentially as a “key”, wherein the user removes time cartridge 115 from device 10 in order to prevent others from using device 10.
Time cartridge 115 includes a memory device (e.g., non-volatile memory such as flash memory or EEPROM) for storing data including the remaining or used treatment time or number of sessions. In some embodiments, time cartridge 115 also includes a electronics for managing the running total of the treatment time and/or number of sessions, e.g., by decrementing or incrementing the treatment time or number of sessions. Such electronics may include a processor or microprocessor and a timer (if remaining treatment time is recorded). Time cartridge 115 may thus communicate with controller 92 to identify relevant events (e.g., device 10 entering/exiting the treatment state, or successful completion of a treatment), trigger its internal timer (if included), and update the remaining treatment time or number of sessions as appropriate.
In other embodiments, the remaining treatment time or number of sessions is stored on time cartridge 115, but controller 92 performs the actual management of the running total of the treatment time and/or number of sessions, e.g., by decrementing or incrementing the treatment time or number of sessions. Thus, controller 92 may read a value stored on time cartridge 115, determine the updated (e.g., decremented or incremented) value, and write the updated value over the old value on time cartridge 115.
Display device 100 may be configured to display any suitable types of information, such as, for example, current operational state, treatment time, battery status, cartridge status, alarms, etc. An example display device 100 is shown in
In example embodiments, display device 100 may be configured to display or indicate some or all of the following data:
(1) the condition of battery/batteries 110, including (a) the charge level and/or (b) whether the battery needs charging before usage of device 10;
(2) the condition of cartridge 115, including (a) the number of minutes remaining, and/or (b) whether the cartridge is empty (i.e., out of minutes) and needs replacing/replenishing;
(3) details regarding a current treatment, including (a) displaying a running timer as a treatment progresses, and/or (2) maintaining a display of the last treatment time for a period of x minutes after completion; and/or
(4) when the cartridge 115 is empty (i.e., out of minutes), or if there is no cartridge 115 in device 110, an image of the cartridge flashes and a “Replace Cartridge” message or indication is displayed.
One or more speakers 118 may be provided to provide audio feedback to user 12 for various events, such as the transition between different operational states, the beginning of a treatment, the completion of a treatment, an overheat condition, etc. Speaker(s) 118 may be positioned at any suitable location on device 10, e.g., on the front or back of housing 40 at location(s) designed to be near the user's ear(s) when in use.
The power system for device 10 may include any one or more suitable power sources. For example, device 10 may include one or more batteries 110 and/or an external power source 112. Batteries 110 may include any suitable number and types of disposable batteries (e.g., alkaline batteries) and/or rechargeable batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiHM), or lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries), which may have any suitable size, capacity (mAh), and nominal voltage (V). For example, in one embodiment, device 10 includes two 9.6 V DC rechargeable battery packs.
External power source 112 may be used to provide power to operate device 10 and/or to recharge batteries 110 via a charger 113. In one embodiment, device 10 includes six AA batteries in two groups of three-battery series, and a two or three-pronged wall-outlet charger including an AC/DC converter, for recharging the batteries. In some embodiments, device 10 is configured to prevent operation (or at least treatment) when batteries 110 are charging.
Batteries 110 may be located in any suitable location within device 10. In some embodiments, one or more batteries 110 may be positioned in the housing 40 along or outside one or more edges 24 of panel 14. For example, one or more batteries 110 may be positioned beyond the left and right edges 24 of panel 14, e.g., batteries 110a and 110b shown in
In some other embodiments, one or more batteries 110 may be positioned within housing 40 generally behind panel 14. In embodiments with multiple panel sections, one or more batteries 110 may be positioned generally behind one, some, or all panel sections. For example,
As another example, one or more batteries 110 may be positioned along a central region between left and right panel sections, e.g., as shown in
Right and left channel LED boards 140a and 140b correspond to right and left panel sections 14 of device 10. Specifically, right channel LED board 140a includes a circuit having a number of right-panel LEDs (e.g., 4 yellow light LEDs and 4 infrared LEDs) powered by a battery pack 110a, a LED controller 150a, and various other electronics (e.g., fuses, resistors, capacitors, etc.) for controlling the operation of the right-panel LEDs. Similarly, left channel LED board 140b includes a circuit having a number of left-panel LEDs (e.g., 4 yellow light LEDs and 4 infrared LEDs) powered by a battery pack 110b, a LED controller 150b, and various other electronics (e.g., fuses, resistors, capacitors, etc.) for controlling the operation of the left-panel LEDs. LED controllers 150a and 150b control the operation of the right-panel LEDs and left-panel LEDs, respectively, based on signals received from controller 92, e.g., by providing a pulsed 3A current as specified by controller 92.
Battery packs 110a and 110b may include any suitable type(s) of batteries for providing power to device 10. In this example, each battery pack 110a and 110b is a rechargeable 9.6V DC battery pack.
Lighted logo 144 may be a logo, symbol, or trademark of a company associated with the device (e.g., manufacturer, seller, retailer, etc.) lighted by LED or other suitable light. Device 10 may be configured to provide operational feedback via lighted logo 144, e.g., by controlling the color, intensity, or other aspect of the lighted logo to indicate the current operational state. For example, in one embodiment, lighted logo 144 may be configured to light steady when device 10 is powered on (and not being charged), pulse when device 10 is being charging, and then stop pulsing (i.e., light steady) when the battery is fully charged.
Cartridge interface 116 may comprise any interface for receiving or connecting to a replaceable time cartridge 115. As shown, cartridge interface 116 may also be configured for interfacing with a manufacturer interface 146 allowing a manufacturer to communicate with controller 92 (e.g., for testing or updating software or firmware).
Battery charger 113 is coupled to a power port 114 for receiving an external power source 112, e.g., a 12V DC power source.
Power regulation circuit 148 may be configured to regulate the power applied to controller 92 from battery pack 110a and/or 110b.
As discussed above, device 10 may be configured to deliver low-level light therapy to user 12 using an LED edge-lit panel 14. Further, as discussed above, controller 92 controls the operation of device 10, such as controlling a display device 100, controlling the current operational state of device 10 (e.g., transitioning between “off”, “ready”, and “treatment” states), and generating alarms. Controller 92 makes control decisions by applying various rules, algorithms, or other logic 98 (as embodied in software and/or firmware) to various input data, such as input data received from user 12 via user input elements 90 and/or signals received from various sensors 80, 82, 84, and 86.
To illustrate, one example set of rules is listed below, and then discussed in the context of an example treatment process flow, illustrated in
The example rules provide:
(a) Device 10 enters the “ready” state if hand detectors 82 detect the presence of both hands.
(b) The “ready” state is indicated by a lower power continuous panel glow mode. Thus, LEDs 16 are operated such that panel 14 glows at an intensity substantially lower than the treatment intensity.
(c) The “ready” state is further indicated by an illuminated backlight of display 100.
(d) When proximity sensors 80 detect that the user's face is in a proper treatment position relative to panel 14, device 10 transitions from the “ready” state to the “treatment” state by softly increasing the LED intensity to the treatment intensity over a period of approximately one second.
(e) If either the hand or proximity detection is interrupted within the first three seconds after entering the “treatment” state, device 10 returns to the “ready” state and the LED intensity is reduced accordingly.
(f) Entry into the “ready” state always occurs softly over a period of approximately one second.
(g) If activation is maintained (i.e., no interruption of hand or proximity detection) for more than approximately three seconds, a “welcome” or “treatment has started” sound is played through speaker 118 and a treatment time begins to increment on display 100, and LEDs 16 begin the pulse treatment (at 3 Hz).
(h) A treatment time of 35 seconds is predefined.
(i) If either the hand or proximity detection is interrupted before the treatment is completed, device 10 returns to the “ready” state and the LED intensity is reduced accordingly. The elapsed treatment time shown on display 100 is suspended, and display 100 remains lit with the suspended elapsed treatment time displayed for two minutes.
(j) If activation is maintained (i.e., no interruption of hand or proximity detection) for the full treatment time (35 seconds), LEDs 16 are powered off, a “congratulations” or “treatment has concluded” sound is played through speaker 118, and display 100 remains lit with the elapsed treatment time (35 seconds) displayed for two minutes.
It should be understood that the rules and specific time durations listed above are examples only and particular embodiments may include various other or additional rules and any other suitable time durations.
When proximity sensors 80 detect that the user's face is in a proper treatment position relative to panel 14, indicated at 208, controller 92 transitions device 10 from the “ready” state to the “treatment” state, indicated at 210. As discussed above, controller 92 transitions device 10 from the “ready” state to the “treatment” state by softly increasing the LED intensity to the treatment intensity over a period of approximately one second.
If either the hand or proximity detection is interrupted (as detected by sensors 80 or 82) within the first three seconds after entering the “treatment” state, controller 92 transitions device 10 from the “treatment” state back to the “ready” state, as indicated at 212. If not (i.e., if activation is maintained for three seconds), a “welcome” or “treatment has started” sound is played through speaker 118 and a treatment time begins to increment on display 100, and LEDs 16 begin the pulse treatment (at 3 Hz), indicated at 214 and 216. A treatment time of 35 seconds is predefined in this example.
If either the hand or proximity detection is interrupted (as detected by sensors 80 or 82) before the treatment is completed, indicated at 218, controller 92 transitions device 10 from the “treatment” state back to the “ready” state and the LED intensity is reduced accordingly. The elapsed treatment time shown on display 100 is suspended, and display 100 remains lit with the suspended elapsed treatment time displayed for two minutes, as indicated at 220. Alternatively, if activation is maintained for the full treatment time (i.e., no interruption of hand or proximity detection for the 35 seconds of treatment), LEDs 16 are powered off, a “congratulations” or “treatment has concluded” sound is played through speaker 118, and display 100 remains lit with the elapsed treatment time (35 seconds) displayed for two minutes. In addition, the remaining treatment time and/or number of sessions stored on time cartridge 115 may be decremented and shown on display 100. In some embodiments, the remaining treatment time on time cartridge 115 may also be decremented an appropriate amount of time for incomplete treatments (e.g., where the treatment is interrupted at step 218).
As discussed above, device 10 may apply a pulsed LED therapy. Thus, controller 92 may operate LEDs 16 in a pulsed manner for the duration of the treatment session (e.g., 35 seconds).
It should be understood that other pulse frequencies may be used in other embodiments. In particular, the duration of the “dark” periods, the duration of the “pulse” periods, and the duty cycle (i.e., the ratio of “dark” period duration to “pulse” period duration), may be selected as desired for the particular application or treatment methodology.
In embodiments that include multiple different types of LEDs 16 (e.g., one or more yellow light LEDs and one or more infrared LEDs), the different types of LEDs 16 may be operated according to the same waveform applied simultaneously, or according to the same waveform but offset by some time period, or according to different waveforms (e.g., waveforms having different pulse durations, dark durations, and/or duty cycles). Further, in some embodiments, one type of LEDs may be pulsed, while another type of LEDs may be applied continuously. For example, yellow light LEDs may be pulsed while infrared LEDs are applied continuously.
As discussed above, LEDs 16 may include one type of LED or multiple different types of LEDs. For example, all LEDs 16 may be yellow light LEDs that primarily emit yellow light at a wavelength of about 590 nm. In additional, in some embodiments, some or all LEDs 16 may primarily emit yellow light at a wavelength of about 590 nm and also simultaneously emit a secondary infrared emission of about 870 nm.
In other embodiments, LEDs 16 may include one or more yellow light LEDs that primarily emit yellow light and one or more infrared LEDs that primarily emit infrared light. For example, in some embodiments, a device 10 may include one or more yellow light LEDs that primarily emit yellow light at a wavelength of 590 nm+/−10 nm and one or more infrared LEDs that primarily emit infrared light at a wavelength of 870 nm+/−20 nm. Such embodiments may include any suitable number of each type of LED to provide the desired intensity of yellow light and infrared light to the user. For example, device 10 may include a suitable number of yellow light LEDs to provide a generally uniform (over the illuminating area 46) yellow light intensity of about 4 mW/cm2 and a generally uniform (over the illuminating area 46) infrared light intensity of about 0.56 mW/cm2. In one embodiment, nine yellow LEDs may provided on each half panel along bottom edge 24d. In another embodiment, twelve infrared LEDs may be provided on each half panel along bottom edge 24d. Thus, LEDs may provide a total output of 4 mW/cm2 at 590 nm and 0.56 mW/cm2 at 870 nm, and may for example pulse at a rate of about 3 Hz with a duty cycle of about 70% or 75%.
In another embodiment, each half panel may include 4 yellow LEDs and 15 IR LEDs such that device 10 may provide a generally uniform (over the illuminating area 46) yellow light intensity of about 1.87 mW/cm2 and a generally uniform (over the illuminating area 46) infrared light intensity of about 0.37 mW/cm2.
In yet another embodiment, each half panel may include 9 yellow LEDs and 25 IR LEDs such that device 10 may provide a generally uniform (over the illuminating area 46) yellow light intensity of about 4.21 mW/cm2 and a generally uniform (over the illuminating area 46) infrared light intensity of about 0.61 mW/cm2.
In still another embodiment, each half panel may include 5 yellow LEDs and 30 IR LEDs such that device 10 may provide a generally uniform (over the illuminating area 46) yellow light intensity of about 2.34 mW/cm2 and a generally uniform (over the illuminating area 46) infrared light intensity of about 0.73 mW/cm2.
Each of these embodiments may utilize LEDs with any or all of the following characteristics. For the yellow LEDs, the following characteristics are based on an ambient temperature of about 25° C. and a forward input current of about 400 mA. The yellow LEDs may have a peak wavelength of about 597 nm and dominant wavelength between about 583 nm and about 595 nm, e.g., about 590 nm. The yellow LEDs may also have a spectral bandwidth at 50% of about 18 nm. The yellow LEDs may be selected from two brightness groups. The lowest brightness group may generate a luminous flux of approximately 33000 to 39000 mlm and a luminous intensity of about 12000 mcd. The highest brightness group may generate a luminous flux of approximately 71000 to 82000 mlm and a luminous intensity of about 25500 mcd. Table 1 discloses an example set of characteristics for yellow LEDs in the highest and lowest brightness groups arranged in channels of three LEDs arranged in series, according to example arrangements
For the IR LEDs, the following characteristics are based on an ambient temperature of about 25° C. and a forward input current of about 50 mA. The IR LEDs may each produce a radiant on-axis intensity ranging from about 9 mW/sr to about 30 mW/sr, e.g., about 17 mW/sr. The IR LEDs may produce light with a peak wavelength between about 850 nm and about 900 nm, e.g., about 875 nm. The IR LEDs may produce light with a spectral width at full width, half maximum of about 37 nm. Table 1 also discloses characteristics of IR LEDs arranged in channels of three LEDs arranged in series, according to example arrangements.
In some embodiments, device 10 may have an output efficiency of at least 50%, where output efficiency is defined as the total LED light output from the illuminating area 46 divided by the total output from the LEDs of device 10. In other words, the output efficiency is a measure of the portion of the LED emitted light that is actually projected out of the front surface of panel 14 within illuminating area 46, as opposed to the portion of the LED emitted light that is absorbed, escapes, or is otherwise not projected out of the front surface of panel 14 within illuminating area 46.
One advantage of the LED edge-lit designs disclosed herein, as compared to existing rear-lit designs that include a large array of LEDs behind a transparent or semi-transparent panel, is that the individual LEDs may be operated at a higher power (i.e., by applying a higher current), and thus fewer LEDs are needed to provide the same overall output flux. For example, in some embodiments, over 100 milliamps may be applied to each LED 16. In some embodiments, over 500 milliamps may be applied to each LED 16. In particular embodiments, about 1 amp or even greater than 1 amp may be applied to each LED 16.
Further, a device configuration sensor 86 may be located at one or both inside edge surface 45, for determining whether or not device 10 is in the treatment configuration, as discussed above in the “Sensors” section. As discussed above, in some embodiments, device 10 is allowed to enter certain operational states only (e.g., a “ready” state or a “treatment” state) if it is determined to be in the open (treatment) configuration.
Because the various components discussed above are located behind the respective panel sections 14a and 14b, the panel sections 14a and 14b may extend flush with the inside edge surface 45 of housing sections 40a and 40b such that the inner edges 24 panel sections 14a and 14b may contact each other when device 10 is moved to the treatment configuration (e.g.,
In some embodiments, edge reflectors 32 are applied at inner edges 24 of panel sections 14a and 14b, such that LED emitted light within each panel section 14a and 14b does not cross over into the other panel section. In other embodiments, the inner edges 24 of panel sections 14a and 14b shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Further, a device configuration sensor 86 may be located at one or both inside edge surface 45, for determining whether or not device 10 is in the treatment configuration, as discussed above in the “Sensors” section. In this example embodiment, device configuration sensor 86 is located at the inside edge surface 45 of housing section 40b, and a corresponding conductive or reflective element 87 is located at the inside edge surface 45 of housing section 40a.
Because the various components discussed above are located behind the respective panel sections 14a and 14b, the panel sections 14a and 14b may extend flush with the inside edge surface 45 of housing sections 40a and 40b such that the inner edges 24 panel sections 14a and 14b may contact each other when device 10 is moved to the treatment configuration (see
In some embodiments, edge reflectors 32 are applied at inner edges 24 of panel sections 14a and 14b, such that LED emitted light within each panel section 14a and 14b does not cross over into the other panel section. In other embodiments, the inner edges 24 of panel sections 14a and 14b shown in
The illuminated area of panel 14 (including panel sections 14a and 14b) may have any suitable dimensions and area. In one embodiment, the illuminated area of panel 14 is about 15 cm high and about 17 cm across, with a center arc about 8 cm deep (where the 15 cm and 17 cm measurements are taken along a straight line, i.e., not following the curves of the panel), resulting in an illuminating area of about 350 cm2.
A clinical trial was performed to explore which characteristics of light exposure have the greatest influence on collagen production in fibroblasts. The following characteristics were studied: peak wavelength, peak irradiance, treatment time, treatment frequency, pulse rate (repetition rate), pulse cycle (duty cycle i.e. % of time light is on), spectral bandwidth, and adjunctive near infrared light exposure. For the study, human fibroblast cells from 4 infant foreskins grown in medium in culture plates. Arrays of light-emitting diodes were used to provide uniform illumination over the culture plates. Each plate was exposed to particular light treatment in an 8-variable 2-level experiment using partial factorial design. The study allowed the effect of low and high settings for each variable to be evaluated. Table 2 identifies the variables evaluated. In addition to the test samples, the study provided parallel samples including control samples (which had no light treatment) and benchmark samples. The benchmark samples were treated under some of the same conditions suggested by prior work to be optimal for collagen I production. See Weiss R A, Weiss M A, Geronemus R G, McDaniel D H, “A novel non-thermal non-ablative full panel LED photomodulation device for reversal of photoaging: digital microscopic and clinical results in various skin types,” 3 J Drugs Dermatol 605-610 (2004); Weiss R A, McDaniel D H, Geronemus R G, Weiss M A, “Clinical trial of a novel non-thermal LED array for reversal of photoaging: clinical, histologic, and surface profilometric results,” 36 Lasers Surg Med 85-91 (2005). The test conditions assigned to each sample are shown in Table 3.
aWhen on, near infrared light was at 10% of peak irradiance.
In the trial, the following experimental methods were employed. Treatment order and incubation position of all samples were randomized twice daily. Half the medium was removed each day and replenished with fresh medium. At day 7, harvested cells analyzed for collagen I and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) using fluorescent-label tagged immunoblotting. All collagen I results were normalized to GAPDH content, then normalized to the mean collagen I content of the control samples, and then averaged across the 4 cell lines to give one collagen value relative to control per test condition.
Collagen I content in samples under each of the 16 test conditions (normalized to collagen I content in control samples) are shown in Table 3. Some results were that collagen I production varied from ˜10% below that in control samples to ˜60% above. Certain variables alone influenced collagen I production to a level that was clearly greater than the quantitation error, including treatment time, pulse rate, and peak irradiance. For example, 15 seconds of treatment was better than 180 seconds with collagen I production increased by about 22% relative to controls. In another example, a pulse rate of 60 Hz was better than 3 Hz with collagen I production increased by about 22% relative to controls. In yet another example, a peak irradiance of 6 mW/cm2 was better than 50 mW/cm2 with collagen I production increased by about 22% relative to controls. When the these settings were combined (treatment of 15 seconds, pulse rate of 60 Hz, peak irradiance of 6 mW/cm2), collagen I production was a mean of 56%±16% (SE) higher than in controls. Control and benchmark conditions are means of 8 samples (2 from each of 4 cell lines). The combined conditions value is a mean of samples 9 and 10 in each cell line, so also a mean of 8 samples.
To calculate the quantitation error, the overall sample-to-sample collagen I quantitation error was estimated from 24 replicate samples. From each of the 4 cell lines, replicate samples included: one control sample, plus one benchmark sample, plus four samples randomly selected from the sixteen different test conditions.
Other variables had little or no effect on collagen I production. In particular, pulse cycle had a small, or no, effect (level of collagen I production was observed to be only slightly greater than the quantitation error). Also, peak wavelength, spectral bandwidth, treatment frequency, and adjunctive near infrared exposure did not appear to influence collagen I production. The lack of increased collagen I production under benchmark conditions was unexpected and contrary to other authors' findings under similar conditions. Experimental design did not allow for complete analyses of secondary effects. However, assuming variables with largest primary effects are also responsible for secondary effects, then treatment time and pulse rate appear to be interrelated.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/590,559 filed on Jan. 25, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/645,751 filed on May 11, 2012; all of which applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61590559 | Jan 2012 | US | |
| 61645751 | May 2012 | US |
