Patent Application
20250195915
The disclosure generally relates to light therapy and more specifically to systems and methods for application of light therapy.
Light therapy has been shown to have an ability to provide several different benefits depending on the application. Stimulating the body's natural processes with red light therapy is safe and has no known side effects. Red light therapy has gone through extensive clinical research and test results show overwhelmingly positive results for skin health, collagen production, physical performance & muscle recovery, sleep, joint pain, inflammation, and much more. For example, red light therapy can result in fat loss and fat cell reduction. Red light triggers the formation of small openings or pores in fat cells, which releases fatty acids known as lipids. One study found that just four minutes of exposure to 635 nm red light caused 80% of lipids to be released from fat cells, and by six minutes, almost all of the fat had been released.
Visible red light is capable of penetrating the skin to a depth of about 8 to 10 mm. Once absorbed, the light energy is converted to cellular energy, stimulating the body's natural processes on a cellular level and kicking off a whole series of metabolic events, which may include but are not limited to, for example: increased circulation and the formation of new capillaries, increase lymph system activity; increase production of collagen and fibroblasts; increased release of raw cellular energy; increase cellular clean up; tissue granulation simulated; and/or reduced inflammation. All of these things work together to produce many benefits for you in the areas of anti-aging, the healing of injuries, and/or the relief of pain, among other benefits.
Through careful observation it has been surprisingly discovered that targeted application of infrared light and/or near infrared light can supplement and improve the results and/or experience of red light therapy. For ease of reference, light in the spectral ranges of red light, near infrared light, and infrared light may be jointly or individually be referred to generally as therapeutic light.
However, therapeutic light treatment presents many challenges. For example, it can be difficult to generate and direct therapeutic light with generally equal intensity across a target treatment area of a patient. For example, some application systems utilize a chamber or bed that surrounds the patient with therapeutic lights. However, due to the duration of treatments, is it more comfortable for patients to be in a seated or lying position, which positions therapeutic lights under the patient in closer proximity to the patient's skin. In such position, therapeutic lights of some red light therapy systems may not apply therapeutic light evenly. Furthermore, the close proximity of the patient to such therapeutic lights may cause buildup of heat, particularly when near infrared light and/or infrared light are used, which may cause discomfort or harm to the patient.
Therefore, for all the reasons stated above, and the reasons stated below, there is a need in the art for an improved system and method for therapeutic light treatment.
Thus, it is a primary objective of the disclosure to provide a system and method for therapeutic light treatment that improves upon the state of the art.
Another objective of the disclosure is to provide a system and method for therapeutic light treatment that applies therapeutic light evenly to a target area.
Yet another objective of the disclosure is to provide a system and method for therapeutic light treatment that can apply a plurality of types of therapeutic light.
Another objective of the disclosure is to provide a system and method for therapeutic light treatment that can apply different prescriptions of therapeutic light patterns for various different treatments.
Yet another objective of the disclosure is to provide a system and method for therapeutic light treatment that reduces patient risk.
Another objective of the disclosure is to provide a system and method for therapeutic light treatment that is sanitary.
Yet another objective of the disclosure is to provide a system and method for therapeutic light treatment that is effective.
Another objective of the disclosure is to provide a system and method for therapeutic light treatment that is reliable.
Yet another objective of the disclosure is to provide a system and method for therapeutic light treatment that has a long useful life.
Another objective of the disclosure is to provide a system and method for therapeutic light treatment that is easy to use.
These and other objects, features, or advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the specification, figures, and claims.
In one or more arrangements, a system is presented for therapeutic light treatment. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a flexible light array pad having an upper surface and a lower surface extending between a forward edge, a rearward edge, and opposing side edges. The flexible light array pad has a plurality of windows formed in the upper surface. The flexible light array pad has a plurality of light emitters positioned respectively in the plurality of windows. In one or more arrangements, the plurality of light emitters are configured to emit light in a plurality of different spectra. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a control system configured to the plurality of light emitters to spectra, intensity, waveforms and/or patterns of therapeutic light generated by the plurality of light emitters.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements and procedures. For instance, although aspects and features may be illustrated in or described with reference to certain figures or embodiments, it will be appreciated that features from one figure or embodiment may be combined with features of another figure or embodiment even though the combination is not explicitly shown or explicitly described as a combination. In the depicted embodiments, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings.
It should be understood that any advantages and/or improvements discussed herein may not be provided by various disclosed embodiments, or implementations thereof. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which provide such advantages or improvements. Similarly, it should be understood that various embodiments may not address all or any objects of the disclosure or objects of the invention that may be described herein. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which address such objects of the disclosure or invention. Furthermore, although some disclosed embodiments may be described relative to specific materials, embodiments are not limited to the specific materials or apparatuses but only to their specific characteristics and capabilities and other materials and apparatuses can be substituted as is well understood by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.
It is to be understood that the terms such as “left, right, top, bottom, front, back, side, height, length, width, upper, lower, interior, exterior, inner, outer, and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.
As used herein, “and/or” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, such that “A and/or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A as well as B,” unless it is clearly indicated that only a single item, subgroup of items, or all items are present. The use of “etc.” is defined as “et cetera” and indicates the inclusion of all other elements belonging to the same group of the preceding items, in any “and/or” combination(s).
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the language explicitly indicates otherwise. Indefinite articles like “a” and “an” introduce or refer to any modified term, both previously-introduced and not, while definite articles like “the” refer to a same previously-introduced term; as such, it is understood that “a” or “an” modify items that are permitted to be previously-introduced or new, while definite articles modify an item that is the same as immediately previously presented. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, unless expressly indicated otherwise. For example, if an embodiment of a system is described as comprising an article, it is understood the system is not limited to a single instance of the article unless expressly indicated otherwise, even if elsewhere another embodiment of the system is described as comprising a plurality of articles.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “mated,” “attached,” “fixed,” etc. to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, and/or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly coupled,” “directly engaged” etc. to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” “engaged” versus “directly engaged,” etc.). Similarly, a term such as “operatively”, such as when used as “operatively connected” or “operatively engaged” is to be interpreted as connected or engaged, respectively, in any manner that facilitates operation, which may include being directly connected, indirectly connected, electronically connected, wirelessly connected or connected by any other manner, method or means that facilitates desired operation. Similarly, a term such as “communicatively connected” includes all variations of information exchange and routing between two electronic devices, including intermediary devices, networks, etc., connected wirelessly or not. Similarly, “connected” or other similar language particularly for electronic components is intended to mean connected by any means, either directly or indirectly, wired and/or wirelessly, such that electricity and/or information may be transmitted between the components.
It will be understood that, although the ordinal terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to any order by these terms unless specifically stated as such. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another; where there are “second” or higher ordinals, there merely must be a number of elements, without necessarily any difference or other relationship. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments or methods.
Similarly, the structures and operations discussed herein may occur out of the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, two operations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individual operations within example methods described below may be executed repetitively, individually or sequentially, to provide looping or other series of operations aside from single operations described below. It should be presumed that any embodiment or method having features and functionality described below, in any workable combination, falls within the scope of example embodiments.
As used herein, various disclosed embodiments may be primarily described in the context of light therapy. However, the embodiments are not so limited. It is appreciated that the embodiments may be adapted for use in other applications which may be improved by the disclosed structures, arrangements and/or methods. The system is merely shown and described as being used in the context of light therapy for ease of description and as one of countless examples.
With reference to the figures, a system for therapeutic light treatment 10 (or simply “system 10”) is presented. System 10 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to generate and direct light toward a patient for therapeutic light treatment. In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, system 10 includes a flexible light array 20, a flexible pad 22, and a control system 24, among other various components. For ease of reference, flexible light array 20 and flexible pad 22 may be jointly referred to as a “flexible light array pad”
Flexible light array 20 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to generate light for therapeutic light treatment.
On one or more arrangements, flexible light array 20 includes a plurality of light emitters 30 positioned in a distributed arrangement across the flexible light array 20. Light emitters 30 are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to generate various spectrum of therapeutic light. In the arrangement shown, as one example, light emitters 30 are light emitting diodes (LEDs). However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, light emitters 30 may utilize various different methods and/or means for generating light including but not limited to, for example, LEDs, incandescent lights, florescent lights, and/or any other method or means for generating light).
In one or more arrangements, lights emitters 30, include a set of light emitters configured to therapeutic light in the red spectrum. Additionally or alternatively, in one or more arrangements, lights emitters 30, include a set of light emitters configured to therapeutic light in the infrared spectrum. In one or more arrangements, the infrared set 34 may include multiple subsets of light emitters 30 configured to emit light in different ranges of the infrared spectrum (e.g., near infrared, shortwave infrared, mid wave infrared, and long wave infrared). However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, flexible light array 20 may include light emitters 30 in any number of different additional and/or alternative spectrums of light.
Through careful experimentation and observation, it has been surprisingly discovered that a flexible light array 20 with three sets of light emitters 30 (e.g., 30A 30B, and 30C), configured to generate therapeutic light at approximately 630 nm, 850, nm, and 940 nm, provides flexibility to generate therapeutic light with various different combinations of spectra and/or intensity to facilitate treatment for various conditions and/or target outcomes.
In one or more arrangements, light emitters 30 of flexible light array 20 are organized into a plurality of arrays segments 40. Array segments 40 are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and includes a respective subset of the light emitters 30 distributed thereon.
In an arrangement shown, as one example, each array segment 40 has a respective subset of light emitters 30 arranged in rows 42 and columns 44. In an example arrangement shown, as one example, array segments 40 each have light emitters 30 arranged into twelve rows 42 and three columns 44. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, light emitters 30 may be organized into any number of different rows 42 and columns 44.
In one or more arrangements, light emitters 30 of each array segment 40 have sets of light emitters 30A, 30B, and 30C in a distributed mosaic arrangement with one light emitter 30 of each set 30A, 30B, and 30C in each row 42. In one or more arrangements, the sets of light emitters 30A, 30B, and 30C are shifted one column 44 over in each successive row 42, which positions organizes each set 30A 30B, and 30C into a series of diagonal rows. This arrangement increases spacing between light emitters of each set 30A 30B, and 30C and provides an equal number of each set 30A 30B, and 30C, thereby providing more even distribution for each emitted spectra of therapeutic light.
However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some arrangements, the various sets of emitters 30 of an array segment 40 may be positioned in various additional or alternative mosaic arrangements. As some non-limiting examples, in some arrangements, light emitters in sets 30A, 30B, and 30C may be arranged in a mosaic similar to, for example, a Bayer mosaic, a Quad Bayer mosaic, an X-trans mosaic, an EXR mosaic, a Kodak RCBW mosaic, a Nonacell mosaic, and/or any other mosaic and/or pattern.
In one or more arrangements, as is shown, array segments 40 of flexible light array 20 are arranged one next to each along a length of flexible light array 20. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some arrangements, array segments 40 may be positioned in various additional or alterative arrangement on flexible light array.
In one or more arrangements, as is shown, array segments 40 of flexible light array 20 are formed together on a single flexible circuit board 50 with flexible circuitry 52 interconnecting array segments 40 and/or control circuits (if applicable), such as driver circuits 96, central control circuit 94, and/or other circuits or components of control system 24.
In one or more arrangements, flexible light array 20 optionally includes rigid support members 54 attached to flexible circuit board 50 proximate to each array segment 40. Rigid support members 54 are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to provide rigidity and support for array segments 40 during use of flexible light array 20. The rigidity and support provided by rigid support members 54 may help to inhibit bending and/or other wear and tear on circuitry of array segments 40 (e.g., wiring, solder joints, etc.) during use. In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, rigid support members 54 are formed or a rigid nonconductive material and have a generally rectangular planar shape of approximately the same size as array segments 40. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that various other structures may be utilized to provide rigidity and support for array segments 40.
While some arrangements may be primarily described with reference to a flexible light array 20 having light emitters 30/array segment 40 formed on single flexible circuit board 50, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some arrangements, light emitters 30/array segment 40 of flexible light array 20 may be formed on two or more separate circuit board segments 58 interconnected by flexible circuitry 52 (e.g., flexible wiring).
In one or more arrangements, flexible light array 20 is encased or embedded in a flexible pad 22. Flexible pad 22 is formed of any suitable, size, shape, and design, and is configured to position flexible light array 20 for directing therapeutic light of light emitters 30 toward a patient while providing a comfortable interface between a patient and the flexible light array 20.
In one or more arrangements, as is shown, flexible pad 22 has a generally rectangular planar shape having an upper surface 64 and a lower surface 66 extending between a forward edge 68, a rearward edge 70, and opposing side edges 72. In one or more arrangements, as is shown, flexible light array 20 is encased in flexible pad 22, positioned between upper surface 64 and a lower surface 66.
In one or more arrangements, as is shown, flexible pad 22 has a plurality of windows 76 formed in upper surface 64. Windows 76 are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and are configured to provide pathways for therapeutic light generated by light emitters 30 to be directed outward from upper surface 64 of flexible pad 22. In the arrangement shown, as one example, windows 76 are openings extending from upper surface 64 of flexible light array 20 to upper surface 64 of flexible pad 22. However, the arrangements are not so limited. For example, it is contemplated that in some alternate arrangements, windows 76 may be formed of transparent materials in addition to or in lieu of openings.
In one or more arrangements, as is shown, windows 76 have an inverted rectangular pyramidal shape with narrow bottoms proximate to light emitters 30 and widening as windows 76 extend upward to rectangular shaped openings in upper surface 64 of flexible light array 20. The pyramidal shape of windows helps to increase the area that therapeutic light is provided to in a treatment area, and thereby providing more even application of therapeutic light, while retaining a comfortable interface between a patient and the flexible light array 20.
In one or more arrangements, flexible pad 22 includes reflective material (e.g., reflective paint, coating, film, or other material) positioned is one or more surfaces within windows 76 to direct therapeutic light out through windows 76. In one or more arrangements, flexible pad 22 includes reflective inserts 78 configured to be positioned within windows 76 and provide a reflective surface to direct therapeutic light out through windows 76.
In some various different arrangements, flexible pad 22 may be formed of various materials configured to provide comforting support when seated/laid upon by a patient. In some arrangements, such material may include but are not limited to, for example, one or more compressible materials such as rubber, silicon, latex, polyurethane, and/or other flexible materials in various forms including but not limited to solid materials, open cell forms, closed cell foams, textiles, and/or any other form of material.
In one or more arrangements, flexible pad is configured to facilitate placement of a sanitary cover 80 on upper surface 64 of flexible pad. Sanitary cover 80 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to provide a sanitary surface for contact with a patient while permitting therapeutic light generated by light emitters 30 to pass through sanitary cover 80. In one or more arrangements, as one example, sanitary cover may be formed of a transparent plastic, rubber, latex, vinyl, or any other suitable material.
Control system 24 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to electronically or communicatively connect with flexible light array 20 to control operation of light emitters 30 in response to user input. In some various different arrangements, control system 24 (and various other functional blocks, modules, controllers, devices, and/or circuits of system 10) may be implemented using various different types of electrical circuits, devices and/or systems (collectively “processing systems”) that are specifically configured to carry out one or more of these or related operations/activities. For example, such processing systems may include discrete logic circuits or programmable logic circuits configured for implementing these operations/activities, as shown in the figures and/or described in the specification. In certain embodiments, such a programmable logic circuit may include one or more programmable integrated circuits (e.g., field programmable gate arrays and/or programmable ICs). Additionally or alternatively, such a programmable logic circuit may include one or more processing circuits/devices (e.g., a computer, microcontroller, system-on-chip, smart phone, tablet, server, and/or cloud computing resources).
In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, control system 24 includes an on-board control circuit 90 and an external control circuit 92 communicatively connected to the on-board control circuit 90. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements on-board control circuit 90 and an external control circuit 92 may be implemented together (e.g., on the same devices and/or circuit board).
On-board control circuit 90 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to control operation of light emitters 30 in response to control signals received from external control circuit 92 or a user interface. In the arrangement shown, on-board control circuit 90 includes a central control circuit 94 and one or more driver circuits 96.
Driver circuits 96 are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to selectably provide power to light emitters 30 of flexible light array 20 to control operation and intensity of light emitters 30. In the arrangement shown, as one example, flexible light array includes a respective driver circuit 96 for each array segment 40. In some various arrangements, driver circuits may be configured to control operation of light emitters 30 by control of array segment 40 as a whole, individual sets of light emitters 30 of an array segment 40 (e.g., 30A, 30B, and 30C), individual rows 42 of an array segment 40, individual columns 44 of an array segment 40, and/or, individual light emitters 30 of an array segment 40. Such control may include but is not limited to, for example, providing power to specific light emitters 30 and/or controlling the amount of power provided to such light emitters 30, among other control functions.
Central control circuit 94 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to control operation of driver circuits 96 to control operation of light emitters 30 responsive to control signals from external control circuit (or alternative user interface). In one or more arrangements, central control circuit 94 is configured to direct driver circuits 96 to operate light emitters 30 in various spectra, intensity, waveforms (e.g., solid on, blinking, flashing, pulsating, slow waves, and/or other waveform types), and/or patterns across flexible light array 20 as may be desired. For ease of reference a particular combination of spectra, intensity, waveforms, and/or patterns for operating light emitters 30 may be referred to as a “prescriptive treatment”.
In one or more arrangements, system 10 optionally includes an external control circuit 92 communicatively connected to on-board control circuit 90 and is configured to provide control signals to on-board control circuit 90 to control operation of light emitters 30 of flexible light array 20 as directed in response to user input vis a user interface. In one or more arrangements, external control circuit 92 may additionally provide power to central control circuit 94 and/or driver circuits 96 to facilitate operation of flexible light array 20.
In one or more arrangements, control system 24 is configured to monitor data from one or more sensors 98 to dynamically adjust operation of flexible light array in response to real time operating parameters. For example, in one or more arrangements system 10 may include sensors 98 configured to monitor temperature of the flexible light, flexible pad, and/or patient. However, the arrangements are not so limited to temperature sensors 98. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, system 10 may include various types of sensors relevant to light therapy including by not limited to, for example, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, biometric sensors to measure biometric data of a patient (e.g., skin temperature, body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, respiratory rate, galvanic skin response, bioelectrical impedance, brain waves, and/or various other biometric parameters).
Communication circuit 204 is formed of any suitable size, shape, design, technology, and in any arrangement and is configured to facilitate communication with devices to be controlled, monitored, and/or alerted by control system 24. In one or more arrangements, as one example, communication circuit 204 includes a transmitter (for one-way communication) or transceiver (for two-way communication). In various arrangements, communication circuit 204 may be configured to communicate with various components of system 10 (e.g., using various wired and/or wireless communication technologies and protocols over various networks and/or mediums including but not limited to, for example, IsoBUS, Serial Data Interface 12 (SDI-12), UART, Serial Peripheral Interface, PCI/PCIe, Serial ATA, MODBUS RTU, ARM Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture (AMBA), USB, Firewire, RFID, MODBUS TCP, EtherNet/IP, Near Field Communication (NFC), infrared and optical communication, 802.3/Ethernet, 802.11/WIFI, Profibus, Wi-Max, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, EtherCAT, Controller Area Network (CAN), Ultra Wideband (UWB), 802.15.4/ZigBee, ZWave, GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA, CDMA, LTE, RPMA, FM/VHF/UHF networks, and/or any other communication protocol, technology or network.
Processing circuit 106 may be any computing device that receives and processes information and outputs commands according to software code 110 stored in memory 108. For example, in some various arrangements, processing circuit 106 may be discrete logic circuits or programmable logic circuits configured for implementing these operations/activities, as shown in the figures and/or described in the specification. In certain arrangements, such a programmable circuit may include one or more programmable integrated circuits (e.g., field programmable gate arrays and/or programmable ICs). Additionally or alternatively, such a programmable circuit may include one or more processing circuits (e.g., a computer, microcontroller, system-on-chip, smart phone, server, and/or cloud computing resources). For instance, computer processing circuits may be programmed to execute a set (or sets) of software code stored in and accessible from memory 108. Memory 108 may be any form of information storage such as flash memory, RAM memory, DRAM memory, a hard drive, or any other form of memory.
Processing circuit 106 and memory 108 may be formed of a single combined unit. Alternatively, processing circuit 106 and memory 108 may be formed of separate but electrically connected components. Alternatively, processing circuit 106 and memory 108 may each be formed of multiple separate but communicatively connected components.
Software code 110 is any form of instructions or rules that direct processing circuit 106 how to receive, interpret and respond to information to operate as described herein. Software code 110 or instructions are stored in memory 108 and accessible to processing circuit 106.
As an illustrative example, in one or more arrangements, software code 110 or instructions may configure processing circuit 106 to perform various processes (e.g., processes 120) to facilitate control and/or operation of flexible light array 20 and/or provide other features and/or functions performed by system 10.
As some illustrative examples, some processes 120 that may be performed and/or initiated by control system 24 in response to user input from user interface 128 and/or data from sensors 98 include but are not limited to, for example, operation of flexible light array, patient monitoring, user and/or prescription authorization, processes for a user interface 128, and/or any other process or action.
While one or more arrangements may primarily describe processes 120 as being performed by control system 24, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some arrangements, various such processes may be performed whole or in part by one or more systems communicatively connected to control system (e.g., a user smartphone or other device, using cloud-based computing resources, and/or other third-party systems).
Although some arrangements may be primarily described with reference to a single flexible light array pad 20/26. The arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some arrangements, system 10 may include multiple flexible light array pads 20/26 operated together to provide therapeutic light therapy across a larger area. In some arrangements, such multiple flexible light array pads 20/26 may be controlled independently of each other. In some arrangements, such multiple flexible light array pads 20/26 may be controlled in coordination with one another other (e.g., by a shared or master control system 24).
In one or more arrangements, control system 24 is configurable via user interface 128 to operate flexible light array 20 of one or more flexible light array pads to generate therapeutic light for various different prescriptive treatments that may be selected by the user.
As previously described, a prescriptive treatment directs control system 24 to operate light emitters 30 of flexible light array 20 with a particular set of spectra, intensity, waveforms (e.g., solid on, blinking, flashing, pulsating, slow waves, and/or other waveform types), and/or patterns across flexible light array 20. Different prescriptive treatments are used to perform light therapy to treat various different conditions (e.g., diabetes, poor circulation, weight loss, skin conditions, etc.).
In some instances, prescriptive treatments may be a static treatment having a consistent waveform patterns throughout the treatment. In some other instances, prescriptive treatments may be sequential treatments having a sequence of different waveform patterns throughout the treatment. Additionally or alternatively, in some other instances, prescriptive treatments may be adaptive treatments that dynamically adapted waveform patterns that change in real time (e.g., based on feedback data from sensors 98).
As an illustrative example,
However, the arrangements are not so limited these example processes. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, control system 24 may be configured to generate therapeutic light for a selected prescription treatment using various additional or alternative processes.
In one or more arrangements, system includes one or more temperature sensors 98. It is recognized that during operation a patient may be in close contact with flexible pad 22 in some areas and may be separated from flexible pad 22 in other areas. For example, a patient lying on flexible pad 22 may be in close contact with flexible pad 22 in an upper back area while the lower back of the patient is lifted a distance off of the flexible pad 22. In such patient position, more heat may build up on the upper back area due to lack of air circulation in comparison to the lower back area.
In one or more arrangements, control processes 120 performed by control system 24 may monitor temperature sensor data in different areas of a flexible light array pad 20/22 (and/or in different flexible light array pads) and dynamically adjust intensity of light emitters 30 in the different areas (and/or flexible light array pads), for example, to prevent overheating and/or maintain a more uniform temperature across the treatment area of the patient.
In one or more arrangements, control processes 120 are configured to override control signals provided by user interface 128 or external control circuit 92 to prevent risk of harm or discomfort to a patient or damage to system hardware. As an illustrative example, in one or more arrangements, control processes 120 may enforce a rule to setting a maximum permitted intensity of light emitters 30 in certain spectra. As another example, in one or more arrangements, control processes 120 may enforce a rule to setting a maximum operating temperature threshold by limit/reducing intensity of light emitters 30 if a temperature indicated by a temperature sensor 98 exceeds the threshold. However, the arrangements are not limited to these illustrative examples. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, control processes 120 may be configured to enforce safety override controls based on any criteria or trigger conditions.
In one or more arrangements, safety overrides may be hard coded in control processes 120. Additionally or alternatively, in some arrangements, safety overrides performed by control processes 120 may be customized by an authorized user, for example, via user interface 128.
In systems having multiple flexible light array pads 20/26 that are operated together to provide a larger treatment area for light therapy, control processes 120 may perform safety override in various ways. In one or more arrangements, control processes 120 may perform safety overrides on an individual flexible light array pad 20/26 basis. Additionally or alternatively, in one or more arrangements, control processes 120 may perform safety overrides jointly for all flexible light array pad 20/26. For instance, in some arrangements, sensor data from one flexible light array pad may prompt control processes 120 to adjust operation of multiple flexible light array pads 20/26. Furthermore, it is contemplated that such adjustment may be specifically tailored to each of multiple flexible light array pads 20/26 based on the current operating conditions and sensor data or those individual flexible light array pads 20/26.
In one or more arrangements, control system 24 is configured to utilize authenticated communication for controlling operation of the system 10. For example, in one or more arrangements, on-board control circuit 90 is configured to authenticate control commands (e.g., received from external control circuit and/or user interface 128) before performing the indicated operation. Such authentication may help reduce the risk of unintended/malicious user, for example, due to signal interference or attempted hacking.
Additionally or alternatively, in one or more arrangements, user interface 128 is configured to authenticate users before the users are permitted to control operation of system 10. Such authentication of users may be useful for doctors to restrict use of system to an intended set of prescriptions for a particular patient and/or prevent use that may be potentially dangerous to a patient.
In some various arrangements, control system 24 may utilize various means and/or methods for authentication of control signals and/or users. As one example, in one or more arrangements, control system 24 is configured to use a token-based authentication to verify that control signals received by on-board control circuit 90 are valid. For example, in one or more arrangements, on-board control circuit 90 may require external control circuit and/or user interface 128 periodically communicate a token to permit or continue operation of the flexible light array pad 20/26. Additionally or alternatively, in some arrangements, on-board control circuit 90 may authenticate individual control commands using a token communicated with the control command.
However, the arrangements are not limited to token-based authentication. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, control system 24 may utilize any suitable method or means for authentication including but not limited to, for example, authentication tokens, password authentication protocols, symmetric key authentication, biometric authentication, and/or any other method or means for authentication.
User interface 128 is formed of any suitable size, shape, design, technology, and in any arrangement and is configured to interact with control system 24 to facilitate input, access to, and processing of relevant data related to operation of system 10. In one or more arrangements, as one example, user interface 128 includes a set of inputs 130. Inputs are formed of any suitable size, shape, design, and technology and are configured to facilitate user input of data and/or control commands. In various different arrangements, inputs may include various types of controls including but not limited to, for example, buttons, switches, dials, knobs, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, a touchscreen, a joystick, a roller ball, microphone (e.g., voice recognition), or any other form of user input. Optionally, in one or more arrangements, user interface 128 includes a display 232. In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, user interface 128 utilizes a touchscreen display, which operates as both inputs 130 and display 132.
In some various arrangements, user interface 128 may be provided by on-board control, circuit 90, by external control circuit 92, or by another portion of control system 24. Additionally or alternatively, in some arrangements, user interface may be provided by a user device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer, or other user device) that is communicatively connected to control system 24.
From the above discussion it will be appreciated that system 10 presented herein improves upon the state of the art. Specifically, in one or more arrangements, a an improved system and method for therapeutic light treatment is provided: that applies therapeutic light evenly to a target area; that can apply a plurality of types of therapeutic light; that can apply different prescriptions of therapeutic light patterns for various different treatments; that reduces patient risk; that is sanitary; that is effective; that is reliable; that has a long useful life; and/or that is easy to use. These and other objects, features, or advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the specification, figures, and claims.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.
This application claims priority to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/610,623 filed on Dec. 15, 2023 and titled “THERAPEUTIC LIGHT SYSTEM”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/684,521 filed on Aug. 19, 2024 and titled “THERAPEUTIC LIGHT SYSTEM”; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/711,921 filed on Oct. 25, 2024 and titled “FLEXIBLE LIGHT THERAPY PAD WITH REFLECTOR INSERTS”; each of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63610623 | Dec 2023 | US | |
| 63684521 | Aug 2024 | US | |
| 63711921 | Oct 2024 | US |
