U.S. patent application number 16/036145 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-08 for light therapy bandage system.
This patent application is currently assigned to JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.. Invention is credited to Charles Peter Althoff, Bradley Feild Craddock, Lulin Ding, Jeff Michaelson, David Shuter, Jay Tapper, Marc-Aurelien Vivant.
Application Number | 20180318600 16/036145 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51531218 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180318600 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tapper; Jay ; et
al. |
November 8, 2018 |
LIGHT THERAPY BANDAGE SYSTEM
Abstract
A radiant energy bandage system is disclosed including a
plurality of therapeutic lamps and a controller for operating the
lamps. Batteries power the lamps and are secured to a wearable
fabric layer supporting the lamps and the controller. According to
an exemplary embodiment, provided is a phototherapy device
comprising a stretchable and/or flexible wearable therapeutic lamp
platform including a plurality of radiant lamps configured to
provide radiant energy to a user treatment area, a stretchable
and/or flexible reflective wall including a plurality of radiant
energy communication areas aligned with the radiant lamps and
disposed to communicate the radiant energy to the user treatment
area; and a stretchable and/or flexible adhesive layer including a
first surface and a second surface, the first surface removably
attached to the reflective layer and the second surface operatively
associated with removably attaching the wearable therapeutic lamp
platform to the user treatment area.
Inventors: |
Tapper; Jay; (Wayne, PA)
; Shuter; David; (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) ;
Althoff; Charles Peter; (New York, NY) ; Michaelson;
Jeff; (Huntington Woods, MI) ; Craddock; Bradley
Feild; (Brooklyn, NY) ; Ding; Lulin;
(Brooklyn, NY) ; Vivant; Marc-Aurelien; (New York,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. |
Skillman |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER
INC.
|
Family ID: |
51531218 |
Appl. No.: |
16/036145 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14747687 |
Jun 23, 2015 |
10022555 |
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16036145 |
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|
14212601 |
Mar 14, 2014 |
10022554 |
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14747687 |
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14324453 |
Jul 7, 2014 |
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|
14747687 |
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13604012 |
Sep 5, 2012 |
8771328 |
|
|
14324453 |
|
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61791738 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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61532140 |
Sep 8, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2018/00642
20130101; A61N 2005/0654 20130101; A61N 2005/0665 20130101; A61B
2018/00791 20130101; A61N 5/0616 20130101; A61N 2005/0659 20130101;
A61N 2005/0652 20130101; A61B 2017/00057 20130101; A61N 2005/0651
20130101; A61N 2005/0645 20130101; A61B 2018/00988 20130101; A61N
2005/0626 20130101; A61N 2005/0627 20130101; A61B 2017/00084
20130101; A61N 2005/0663 20130101; A61N 2005/0666 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61N 5/06 20060101
A61N005/06 |
Claims
1. A phototherapy device comprising: a wearable therapeutic lamp
platform including: a plurality of radiant lamps configured to
provide radiant energy to a user treatment area; a stretchable
and/or flexible reflective wall including a plurality of radiant
energy communication areas aligned with the radiant lamps and
disposed to communicate the radiant energy to the user treatment
area; and a stretchable and/or flexible adhesive layer including a
first surface and a second surface, the first surface removably
attached to the reflective layer and the second surface operatively
associated with removably attaching the wearable therapeutic lamp
platform to the user treatment area.
2. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the
radiant energy communication areas include apertures.
3. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the
wearable therapeutic lamp platform is millennium falcon shaped.
4. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the
adhesive layer includes a sticky adhesive gel.
5. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the
adhesive layer includes a first sublayer made of a first sublayer
material, a second sublayer made of a second material and a third
sublayer made of a third sublayer material, the first sublayer
adapted to be removably attached to the reflective layer and
attached to the second sublayer, the second sublayer attached to
the first and third sublayer and the first sublayer adapted to be
removably attached to the user treatment area and attached to the
second sublayer.
6. The phototherapy device according to claim 5, wherein the third
sublayer includes one or more of a bioclusive material, a
biocompatible material and an anti-microbial material.
7. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the
plurality of radiant lamps include a mixed combination of different
wavelength radiant energy.
8. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the
plurality of radiant lamps include one or both of Red and Infrared
wavelength radiant energy.
9. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, further comprising
an integrated and wearable microcontroller configured to control an
operation of the phototherapy device.
10. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, further
comprising: one or more integrated and wearable batteries.
11. The stretchable and flexible wearable device according to claim
10, wherein one or more of the reflective wall and adhesive layer
is a silicon and/or urethane based material.
12. A stretchable and flexible wearable phototherapy device
comprising: a plurality of radiant energy pods, each pod including
one or more radiant lamps to provide radiant energy to a user
treatment area, and each pod stretchably and flexibly connected to
one or more other pods; and a control pod stretchably and flexibly
connected to one or more radiant energy sections, the control pod
operatively connected to the radiant energy pods and configured to
control an operation of the radiant lamps.
13. The stretchable and flexible wearable device according to claim
12, the control pod including a power source to operatively power
the one or more radiant lamps.
14. The stretchable and flexible wearable phototherapy device
according to claim 12, further comprising: a stretchable and
flexible reflective wall including a plurality of radiant energy
communication areas aligned with the radiant lamps and disposed to
communicate the radiant energy to the user treatment area.
15. The stretchable and flexible wearable phototherapy device
according to claim 12, further comprising: a stretchable and
flexible adhesive layer including a first subsurface and a second
subsurface, the first subsurface removably attached to the wearable
phototherapy device and the second subsurface operatively
associated with removably attaching the wearable phototherapy
device to the user treatment area.
16. The stretchable and flexible wearable device according to claim
12, wherein the plurality of radiant lamps include one or both of
Red and Infrared wavelength radiant energy.
17. The stretchable and flexible wearable device according to claim
12, further comprising an integrated and wearable microcontroller
configured to control an operation of the phototherapy device.
18. The stretchable and flexible wearable device according to claim
12, further comprising: one or more integrated and wearable
batteries.
19. The stretchable and flexible wearable device according to claim
12, wherein one or more of the reflective wall and adhesive layer
is a silicon and/or urethane based material.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/747,687, filed Jun. 23, 2015, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/212,601, filed Mar. 14, 2014, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/791,738, filed Mar. 15,
2013, and which U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/747,687 is also
a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/324,453, filed Jul. 7, 2014, which is a divisional of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/604,012, filed Sep. 5, 2012 now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,771,328, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/532,140, filed Sep. 8, 2011, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] "Light Therapy Platform System", U.S. Patent Publication No.
US 2013-0066404 A1, published on Mar. 14, 2013, by Tapper et al.,
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD
[0003] The present embodiments relate to devices and methods for
delivering light-based skin therapy treatments for improving skin
health, and/or relieving subdermal tissue using light-emitting
diode (LED) light therapy, although other types of light radiating
sources can be used.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Certain light spectrums emitted by LEDs (blue or red) are
known to be therapeutic for skin treatment by being beneficial to
better factor wound healing or relieving muscular or other
subdermal tissue pain. However, there is a need to provide
users/patients with a convenient at-home light therapy delivery
device such as a wearable bandage that is adjustable or flexible to
conform to different sizes and shapes, and that is simple to use
without user discomfort. The alternative is visiting a doctor's
office to receive treatments.
[0005] Prior known light therapy devices have suffered from
problems relating to the exposure of the LEDs and the associated
circuitry to power the LEDs to contact by users. More particularly,
in an effort to maximize light communication to a patient, the LEDs
have been disposed in a manner which allow them to be physically
engaged (e.g., touched) by a patient, or even contact a treatment
surface, which processes are debilitating to the LEDs as a result
of the accumulation of dirt and oil. In addition, any such
engagement can be potentially dangerous to patients who are exposed
to the sharp or hot edges of the LEDs and the associated circuitry.
The exposure of detailed circuitry presents an intimidating and
unpleasant experience.
[0006] Another problem with prior known devices is that the LED
arrangement is fixed and not adjustable to better correspond to
wound location, size or shape, or to be better placed relative to
pain areas. The LEDs of such devices are not selectively
arrangeable in a variety of patterns to better enable the
application of the device near particular pain areas of a
wound.
[0007] It is desired to provide alternative means of using the
benefits of the light therapy in a manner to maximize therapeutic
efficiencies in exposure while maintaining ease and convenience of
use. For this reason, a variety of light weight, flexible and
adjustable embodiments are disclosed within this disclosure
incorporating a variety of energy varying applications responsive
to user conditions or needs.
SUMMARY
[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure,
provided, a phototherapy system and device includes a therapeutic
lamp platform for radiant lamps such as LEDs which are disposed in
an assembly comprising a multi-layer structure wherein the LEDs are
guarded from patient contact.
[0009] The exemplary embodiments disclosed provide an
adjustable/flexible platform for providing a light-based therapy
that is adaptable to the user's receptive surfaces, i.e., treatment
areas, whether based on size or condition, wherein the light
therapy can be applied without limitation of the kind of light and
without limitation of the ultimate purpose of the therapy, i.e.,
beauty, health, pain relief and/or wound healing. Such sources can
vary in the form of the radiant energy delivery. Pulsed light
(IPL), focused light (lasers) and other methods of manipulating
light energy are encompassed within the presently disclosed
embodiments. Other methods of light emission may include
continuous, pulsed, focused, diffuse, multi wavelength, single
wavelength, visible and/or non-visible light wavelengths.
[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure,
forms such as a shaped/fitted bandage with LED light emitted from
LED bulbs or LED strips that are capable of being adjusted to
accommodate variances in a desired treatment area.
[0011] According to one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a
phototherapy device is provided which includes a stretchable and/or
flexible wearable therapeutic lamp platform including a plurality
of radiant lamps configured to provide radiant energy to a user
treatment area; a stretchable and/or flexible reflective wall
including a plurality of radiant energy communication areas aligned
with the radiant lamps and disposed to communicate the radiant
energy to the user treatment area; and a stretchable and/or
flexible adhesive layer including a first surface and a second
surface, the first surface removably attached to the reflective
layer and the second surface operatively associated with removably
attaching the wearable therapeutic lamp platform to the user
treatment area.
[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of this
disclosure, provided is a stretchable and/or flexible wearable
phototherapy device including a plurality of radiant energy pods,
each pod including one or more radiant lamps to provide radiant
energy to a user treatment area, and each pod stretchably and
flexible connected to one or more other pods; and a control pod
stretchably and flexibly connected to one or more radiant energy
section, the control pod operatively connected to the radiant
energy pods and configured to control an operation of the radiant
lamps.
[0013] The present disclosure thus describes a fully stretchable
and/or flexible and adjustable LED device which provides improved
usability and light dispersion. Such a device includes a light
therapy bandage system including a spacing and/or insulating layer
to effectively elevate the lamp radiation from the patient's
treatment area (e.g. skin). According to one exemplary embodiment,
the lamps are recessed relative to the insulating layer and further
covered by a sheer mesh layer to protect the user from being able
to contact the lamps. Moreover, the disclosed embodiments may or
may not be used with lotions, creams and/or ointments which enhance
the efficacy of the delivered phototherapy radiation to provide
treatment to a user treatment area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing
executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application
publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office
upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
[0015] FIG. 1A is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a
therapeutic lamp platform including a lumbar brace according to
this disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 1B is an opposite plan view of the therapeutic lamp
platform of FIG. 1A;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the therapeutic lamp platform
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIGS. 1A
and 1B on a patient;
[0019] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another exemplary
embodiment of a wearable therapeutic lamp platform including a knee
brace according to this disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 4B is an alternative view of the device of FIG. 4A;
[0021] FIG. 4C is an alternative view of the device of FIG. 4A;
[0022] FIG. 4D is an alternative view of the device of FIG. 4A;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG.
4A;
[0024] FIG. 6 is an alternative exemplary embodiment of a knee
brace according to this disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 6;
[0026] FIG. 8 is another embodiment of a knee brace;
[0027] FIG. 9 is another embodiment of a knee brace;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the
subject bandage system;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 10;
[0030] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 10;
[0031] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a stretchable and bendable
wearable therapeutic lamp platform according to an exemplary
embodiment of this disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the stretchable and bendable
wearable therapeutic lamp platform illustrated in FIGS. 13A and
13B;
[0033] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the reflective layer as shown in
FIG. 14;
[0034] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the stretchable and bendable top
layer as shown in FIG. 14;
[0035] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the stretchable and bendable
bottom layer as shown in FIG. 14;
[0036] FIG. 18 shows a layout of LED strips according to an
exemplary embodiment of this disclosure as shown in FIG. 14;
[0037] FIG. 19 is an enlarged detail view of the heating component
and temperature sensor(s) arrangement as shown in FIG. 14;
[0038] FIG. 20 is an enlarged detail view of the circuit board,
i.e., controller, and the battery arrangement as shown in FIG.
14;
[0039] FIG. 21 is an enlarged detail view of the bottom casing for
housing the circuit board and batteries as shown in FIG. 14;
[0040] FIG. 22 is an enlarged detail view of the top casing for
housing the circuit board and batteries as shown in FIG. 14;
[0041] FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
flexible wearable therapeutic lamp platform according to an
exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the flexible wearable
therapeutic lamp platform illustrated in FIGS. 23A and 23B;
[0043] FIG. 25 is a plan view of the reflective layer as shown in
FIG. 24, without the LED clearance holes shown;
[0044] FIG. 26 is a plan view of the biocompatible sticky gel layer
as shown in FIG. 24;
[0045] FIG. 27 is a plan view of the flexible layer as shown in
FIG. 24;
[0046] FIG. 28 is a plan view of the bendable bottom layer as shown
in FIG. 24;
[0047] FIG. 29 shows a layout of LED strips according to an
exemplary embodiment of this disclosure as shown in FIG. 14;
[0048] FIG. 30 is an enlarged detail view of the heating component
and temperature sensor(s) arrangement as shown in FIG. 24;
[0049] FIG. 31 is an enlarged detail view of the circuit board,
i.e., controller, and the battery arrangement as shown in FIG.
24;
[0050] FIG. 32 shows a process to replace an adhesive layer on a
wearable therapeutic lamp platform according to an exemplary
embodiment of this disclosure;
[0051] FIG. 33 shows a process to apply a wearable therapeutic lamp
platform to a user treatment area according to an exemplary
embodiment of this disclosure;
[0052] FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrate another stretchable wearable
therapeutic lamp platform according to an exemplary embodiment of
this disclosure; the therapeutic lamp platform including a SIM
(Subscriber Identity Module) operatively connected to the
platform;
[0053] FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
wearable therapeutic lamp platform including a SIM top end card
slot;
[0054] FIGS. 36A and 36B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
wearable therapeutic lamp platform including a SIM side card
slot;
[0055] FIGS. 37A and 37B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
wearable therapeutic lamp platform including a SIM retro video game
card slot;
[0056] FIGS. 38A, 38B and 38C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of
a wearable therapeutic lamp platform including a combination SIM
and SIM card reader;
[0057] FIGS. 39A, 39B and 39C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of
a wearable therapeutic lamp platform including a combination SIM
and SIM card reader outside of the main pod;
[0058] FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C illustrate a stretchable wearable
lamp platform according to an exemplary embodiment of this
disclosure;
[0059] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
another stretchable wearable lamp platform according to this
disclosure;
[0060] FIG. 42 illustrates the adhesive layer construction of the
stretchable wearable lamp platform shown in FIG. 41;
[0061] FIGS. 43A and 43B are detail views of the structural and
electrical interconnection of the pods associated with the
stretchable wearable lamp platform shown in FIG. 41;
[0062] FIGS. 44A and 44B are additional detail views of the
structural and electrical interconnections of the pods associated
with the stretchable wearable lamp platform shown in FIG. 41;
[0063] FIGS. 45A, 45B and 45C illustrate a flexible wearable lamp
platform according to an exemplary embodiment of this
disclosure;
[0064] FIG. 46 illustrates the flexible wearable lamp platform
shown in FIGS. 45A, 45B and 45C, applied to a user's lower back
area;
[0065] FIG. 47 illustrates a flexible wearable lamp platform
according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;
[0066] FIG. 48 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the
replaceable adhesive layers included in the flexible wearable lamp
platform shown in FIG. 47;
[0067] FIG. 49 illustrates the layered construction of the
replaceable adhesive layers shown in FIG. 48; and
[0068] FIGS. 50A-50E are flow charts of a control program to
operate a flexible wearable lamp platform according to an exemplary
embodiment of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] The subject embodiments relate to a phototherapy system
including methods and devices, preferably comprising a wearable
device integrated with a portable battery pack for powering
therapeutic lamps in the device. The subject devices display
numerous benefits including a light platform wherein the platform
and the lamps therein are properly positionable relative to a user
treatment area during use, where no human touch is required during
treatment. That is, structural componentry of the device not only
supports the lamp platform on the user, but functions as a guide
for the appropriate disposition of the lamps relative to the
treatment areas of the user. The structural assembly of the device
precludes sharp or hot surfaces from being engageable by a user as
the lamps are recessed relative to an inner reflective surface
nearer to and facing the patient treatment surface. Circuit
componentry to communicate power to the lamps is also encased
within a flexible and stretchable wall structure. Therapeutic
light, shining through wall radiant energy communication areas,
such as, but not limited to, apertures, mesh and clear/translucent
layers, is communicated to the user while the lamps and the
circuitry are effectively covered within the layered wall
structure. A surface is thus presented to the user that is properly
spaced for the desired therapeutic treatments, yet provides
improved ventilation so that an aesthetic and appealing device
surface is presented to the user that minimizes user discomfort.
Other benefits relate to the adjustability of the device in the
form of a bandage which forms upon user receipt to match a
treatment surface, e.g., back or knee, of the user. The overall
assembly is purposefully constructed of relatively light weight and
minimized componentry for ease of user use and comfort.
[0070] More particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2,
an exemplary embodiment is shown including a lumbar brace 10 that
can be worn by a patient/user such as shown in FIG. 3. The brace 10
can be supported and affixed on the user by a hook-and-loop locking
fabric at the terminal ends of the brace. Such a brace can include
heat wraps for lower back and hips 14 on the exterior of the brace
10 opposite of the patient facing surface. The LED platform of the
bandage includes an elastic member 12 on which LED strips 14 are
mounted on a support layer 16 that is heat insular and/or
reflective. It is important that the layer 16 be flexible and
stretchable with the elastic bandage 12. Note that the wires
connecting the LEDs to the battery pouch 22 are of extra length to
allow stretching of the dimension between the LED strips. Power is
supplied by a battery pack 20 received in battery pouch 22. The LED
lights 14 are spaced from direct engagement of the patient by an
insular layer 24 which can range from a mesh cloth to a flexible
sheet of formable material in which the strips are integrally
molded.
[0071] In one exemplary embodiment, the mesh cloth allows
communication of the lamp radiation through to the patient without
reflection.
[0072] In another exemplary embodiment, the flexible formable
material 24 has apertures (not shown) functioning as a window to
allow the light to pass through and the remainder of the material
24 includes a light reflective surface. In this embodiment, the
LEDs are effectively hidden from the patient, where layer 24 is a
mesh cloth where the patient can see the LEDs tips and the
associated circuitry.
[0073] The subject system may also include control systems to vary
light intensity, frequency or direction. A portable battery pack is
integrated to the wearable phototherapy device, and may include a
removable replaceable battery pack or a rechargeable battery
pack.
[0074] The subject adjustability can be implemented through "smart"
processing and sensor systems for enhanced
flexibility/adjustability in the form of adjustable energy output,
adjustable wavelengths, priority zones, timers, and the like. The
sensors of the sensor systems enable the subject embodiments to
have the ability to evaluate the treatment area and plan a smart
treatment, utilizing more or less energy on the priority zones. The
subject embodiments can also be smart from the standpoint of body
treatment area such as knee or back, and of skin type, age, overall
severity of problems and have the ability to customize the
treatment accordingly.
[0075] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the lamps are embedded
in a flexible sheet of formable material and are integrally molded
as strips within a material sheet.
[0076] With reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 5, an exemplary
LED bandage is shown where LED strips are arranged in a diamond
pattern and the elastic bandage is formed as a unitary sleeve which
is pulled over the leg to the knee area. The multi-structural layer
of the brace is shown in FIG. 5 and includes an elastic bandage
platform 50, a first layer reference material that may be
constructed of emergency blanket material 52, LED light strips 54,
and a surface layer 56 to cover the strips 54.
[0077] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, another alternative
embodiment of a knee brace is shown where an elastic bandage is
wrapped around a knee as shown in FIG. 6, again the elastic bandage
includes a diamond pattern about the patient's kneecap including
the multi-layer structures such as is shown in FIG. 7.
[0078] FIGS. 8 and 9 show yet other embodiments which can also
function as a wraparound knee brace including the same multi-layer
structures such as is shown in FIG. 9.
[0079] In other embodiments, the LED strip pattern can be arranged
in different placements as shown in the figures to better match
treatment to the desired patient treatment area. For example,
rather than being equally spaced, the strips can be bunched
together in a group, or several groups, where the bandage material
is constructed of a material that allows the LED strips to be
selectively moved and then affixed to the material at different
locations, for example, hook-and-loop fastening fabric.
[0080] FIGS. 10 and 11 show another embodiment wherein battery
energy sources 70 are encased in battery shrouds 72 and operatively
connected to a controller 74 attached to a primary fabric layer 76.
FIG. 10 shows the top layer of the device away from a user
treatment area (not shown). FIG. 11 shows the bottom surface of the
device of FIG. 10 wherein the therapeutical lamps of radiation
communicate to the treatment area through a plurality of spacer
window openings 80.
[0081] FIG. 12 shows more clearly the component elements of the
device. The battery pack 72 and controller 74 are either
mechanically attached or heat bonded to the primary fabric layer 82
which can be secured to a patient treatment area through a strap
(not shown) received in a buckle 84 and buckle receiver 86
assembly. According to an exemplary embodiment, the therapeutic
lamps include a plurality of LED strips 90 mounted on a foam 92 and
reflective layer 94 in a manner so that the LEDs are aligned with
the windows 80. Power to the LED strips 90 is communicated from the
battery 72 via wires (not shown). The foam 92 and reflective layer
94 includes a heat insulator and spacer so that the LEDs mounted on
the strips 90 are recessed relative to the opposite surface of the
foam layer 92, rather than the surface on which they are mounted.
The strips 90 and foam layer 92 form a subassembly that in one
embodiment is selectively removable and replaceable from and to the
device. Layer 92 is highly flexible as are the strips 90 so that
the strip 90 and layer 92 subassembly is flexible along a plurality
of directions aligned with the areas intermediate the strips for
the overall purpose of providing a device which is conformable to
properly and comfortably cover a non-flat treatment area. The layer
92 is dimensioned so that the lamps on the LED strips 90 don't
break the surface plane of layer 92 on which a reflective layer 94
is attached. According to an exemplary embodiment, reflective layer
94 includes a flexible foil suitable for reflecting the radiant
energy of the lamps. A secondary fabric layer covers the foam 92
and reflective layer 94 with a sheer mesh 98 which allows lamp
radiation to be communicated to the treatment area with minimal
obstruction. The effect is that of a plurality of expanding cones
of radiant energy from the lamps of the LED strips 90 that is
communicated through the foam layer 92 and reflective layer 94 for
therapeutic treatment of the treatment area.
[0082] The controller 74 is configured to communicate operational
aspects of the device to the user in several ways. When the user
actuates an ON switch, an indicator such as a light or beep sounder
lets the user know that the device is operating. The controller
times the operation to a predetermined limit such as 10 or 15
minutes. In addition, the controller counts usage or cycle sessions
to indicate to the user via a controller display, the number of
sessions that have been provided by the device and additionally, to
disable the device after the LED efficiency in generating
therapeutic radiation has been diminished from prior sessions such
that the device should no longer be used. The controller also
deactivates the indicator light after the session duration has been
timed out or may alternatively send another sound beep to the user.
Alternatively, the indicator can also provide for indicating
battery life or lamp failure.
[0083] With reference to FIGS. 13-22, illustrated is a stretchable,
flexible, and wearable therapeutic lamp platform according to
another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, also referred to
as a phototherapy device throughout this disclosure.
[0084] FIG. 13A is a top view of the phototherapy device and FIG.
13B is a perspective view of the phototherapy device, as seen by a
user. As shown, the phototherapy device is substantially U-shaped
or horseshoe shaped, which provides a significant degree of
conformability of the device to a plurality of user treatment
areas, including but not limited to, ankles, elbows, knees,
shoulders, and other body joints, as well as feet. While the
application of the phototherapy therapy device shown in FIGS. 13-22
is not limited to any specific user treatment areas, it is
especially suited for joints where the device goes around bony
joints and treats the muscles/tendons/tissues around the joint.
[0085] While the exemplary embodiment described with reference to
FIGS. 13-22 includes a U-shaped phototherapy device, it is to be
understood other shapes are within the scope of the disclosure, for
example, but not limited to, circular shaped, square shaped,
rectangular shaped, oval shaped, etc.
[0086] As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the exemplary phototherapy
device 100 includes a plurality of pods 102 which house one or more
batteries and a pod 104 which houses a controller and ON/OFF button
switch 105. During operation, the phototherapy device emits
therapeutic radiation 101 to a user treatment area to relieve pain
and/or provide therapeutic treatment for healing of the user
treatment area.
[0087] With reference to FIG. 14, illustrated is an exploded view
of the stretchable, flexible, and wearable therapeutic lamp
platform shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. The phototherapy device
includes hard surface pods 102, a controller pod 104, batteries
106, a controller 108, wires 110 which operatively connect the
controller 108 to the batteries 106, pod bottoms 112, controller
pod bottom 113, a stretchable and flexible top layer 114, LED
strips 116 operatively connected with flexible LED connection wires
117, heating component 118 including temperature sensors 119, a
stretchable and flexible bottom layer 120, a reflective layer 122
(note: LED clearance holes not shown) and a biomedical sticky
gel.
[0088] As shown, the heating element 118 is arranged in a pattern
which covers the general shape of the phototherapy device and
provides heat to a user treatment area. Essentially a wire, such as
a Nichrome.RTM. wire driven by the controller 108 provides heat and
temperature sensors 119 provide feedback to the controller 108 to
regulate the radiated heat provided to the user treatment area, in
addition to ramping up the initial heat provided after the
phototherapy device is turned ON, for example ramping quickly to
maintain a temperature between 40-45 Celsius.
[0089] The structure of the phototherapy device provides a
stretchable, flexible and conformable, therapeutic lamp platform
which can be applied to a variety of user treatment areas. In other
words, the phototherapy device is conformable to user treatment
area in three dimensions.
[0090] With reference to FIG. 15, illustrated is a plan view of the
reflective layer 122 as shown in FIG. 14, except LED clearance
holes 121 are shown.
[0091] The reflective layer includes a plurality of lamp radiation
communication areas 121, such as apertures, clearance holes and/or
areas of the reflective layer 122 aligned with the LEDs which are
transmissive to the wavelength of the radiation emitted from the
LEDs. In other words, the lamp radiation communication areas can be
made of a clear or translucent flexible material, where a
reflective layer or film, such as a reflective metal foil or PET
reflective material is applied to the bottom, i.e. reflective
surface of the reflective layer 122, using a masking process to
maintain the radiation transmissive characteristics of the
radiation communication areas 121. In addition to reflecting lamp
radiation, the reflective layer 122 material can include insulating
material to contain heat within the user treatment area for
effectively treating pain, etc.
[0092] As an alternative arrangement, the phototherapy device can
integrate the reflective layer 122 with a biomedical sticky gel as
a single usable substrate. In other words, the sticky gel, which is
replaceable by a user, would include a replaceable reflective layer
incorporated into the sticky gel, where a reflective material is
encased within the sticky gel.
[0093] Sticky gel is a "sticky" adhesive gel compound which
removably adheres to the phototherapy device structure reflective
layer 122 and a user treatment area. The sticky gel layer is made
of a material which also is substantially transparent to the LED
lamp radiant emitted by the phototherapy device or includes
apertures to communicate the LED lamp radiation. Examples of a
suitable material include silicon, hydrogel acrylic and urethane
based material.
[0094] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sticky gel
component includes multiple layers integrated into a single
replaceable structure, where a top layer material has properties to
provide a bond to the phototherapy device structure and a bottom
layer material has properties to provide desirable adhesive
properties to a user treatment area. In addition, a third layer
material between the top and bottom layers can be provided to act
as a structural component to maintain the form of the sticky gel
component.
[0095] With reference to FIG. 16, illustrated is a plan view of the
flexible and stretchable top layer as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 17
is a plan view of the flexible and stretchable bottom layer 120 as
shown in FIG. 14.
[0096] The flexible and stretchable top layer 114 and bottom layer
120 provide a flexible and stretchable housing for LED strips 116,
wires 117, an optional heating element 118 and optional
temperatures sensors 119. The stretchable layers 114 and 120 can be
made from, for example, a low durometer silicone TPE, and/or
fabric. As shown in FIG. 17, the flexible bottom layer 120 includes
a plurality of LED radiation communication areas, i.e. apertures,
to provide radiation to a user treatment area.
[0097] With reference to FIG. 18, shown is a layout of LED strips
116 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure as
shown in FIG. 14.
[0098] The LED strips 116 include a plurality of LEDs which are
operatively connected by wires 117. According to an exemplary
embodiment, 18 LEDs of two different wavelengths are provided,
where 6 LEDs provide IR (Infrared Spectrum Radiation) for
inflammation relief and 12 LEDs provide R (Red Spectrum
Radiation).
[0099] With reference to FIG. 19, illustrated is an enlarged detail
view of the optional heating component 118 and temperature
sensor(s) 119 arrangement as shown in FIG. 14.
[0100] With reference to FIG. 20, illustrated is an enlarged detail
view of the circuit board, i.e., controller, and the battery
arrangement as shown in FIG. 14.
[0101] As shown, included are two batteries 106, a controller 108
and wires 110 which operatively connect batteries 106 to the
controller 108. A suitable length of wires 110 provides a
stretchable and flexible configuration where the wires 110 are free
to expand and contract while maintaining electrical conductivity
between the controller 108 and batteries 110, as well as between
the controller 108 and LED strips 116.
[0102] With reference to FIG. 21, illustrated is an enlarged detail
view of the bottom casing for housing the circuit board and
batteries as shown in FIG. 14.
[0103] With reference to FIG. 22, illustrated is an enlarged detail
view of the top casing for housing the circuit board and batteries
as shown in FIG. 14.
[0104] With reference to FIGS. 23-31, illustrated is a flexible
wearable therapeutic lamp platform according to another exemplary
embodiment of this disclosure, also referred to as a phototherapy
device throughout this disclosure. The size and construction of
this light therapy platform is especially suited to provide
phototherapy to user treatment areas associated with relatively
large muscles, such as the lower back, should blades, hip and
calves.
[0105] With reference to FIG. 23A, illustrated is a top view of the
phototherapy device 200 and FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the
phototherapy device 200, as seen by a user. As shown, the
phototherapy device includes a flexible layer 202, handles 206 and
207 and a control bottom/removable Bluetooth controller housing to
operate the phototherapy device. During operation, the phototherapy
device 200 emits therapeutic radiation 208 to a user treatment area
to relieve pain and/or provide therapeutic treatment for healing of
the user treatment area.
[0106] With reference to FIG. 24, illustrated is an exploded view
of the flexible wearable phototherapy device shown in FIG. 23. As
shown in FIG. 24, the phototherapy device 200 includes a control
button/removable Bluetooth controller housing top 204 and bottom
230, a removable Bluetooth controller 210, an intermediate mounting
board 212, handle tops 206 and 207, handle bottoms 222 and 224,
ON/OFF button switch 214, wires 216 operatively connecting a
battery 220 to a controller 218, wires 228 operatively connecting
bottom switch 226 to controller 218, LED strips 232 operatively
connected with wires 234, a heating component 236 including
temperature sensors 238, a bendable/flexible bottom layer 240, a
reflective layer 242 (note: LED clearance holes not shown) and a
biomedical sticky gel 244.
[0107] With reference to FIG. 25, illustrated is a plan view of the
reflective layer as shown in FIG. 24, with the LED clearance holes
243 shown.
[0108] With reference to FIG. 26, illustrated is a plan view of the
biocompatible sticky gel layer as shown in FIG. 24.
[0109] With reference to FIG. 27, illustrated is a plan view of the
flexible layer as shown in 24, and 28 illustrates a plan view of
the bendable bottom layer as shown in FIG. 24. Materials suitable
for construction of these layers includes low durometer SAN,
Neoprene, TPE, silicon, and fabric.
[0110] With reference to FIG. 29, shown is a layout of LED strips
according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure as shown in
FIG. 24.
[0111] With reference to FIG. 30, illustrated is an enlarged detail
view of the optional heating component and temperature sensor(s)
arrangement as shown in FIG. 24.
[0112] With reference to FIG. 31, illustrated is an enlarged detail
view of the circuit board 218, i.e., controller separate power
button optional Bluetooth antenna 226, and the battery arrangement
220 as shown in FIG. 24.
[0113] With reference to FIG. 32, illustrated is a four step
process to replace the biomedical sticky gel component of a
phototherapy device 100 previously described.
[0114] After a user removes the used sticky gel component from the
phototherapy device, the user initially places the phototherapy
device bottom-side-up in the docking area of the carrier 300
shown.
[0115] Next, at step 2, the user removes an unused sticky gel
component 124 from the carrier 300 and places the unused sticky gel
component on the phototherapy device as shown in step 3.
[0116] Finally, the user applies pressure to the sticky gel
component backing layer 302 to adhere the sticky gel component to
the phototherapy device as shown at step 4.
[0117] Possible adhesive gel carrier designs include a boot package
similar to a foldable travel case, roll type packaging where a user
unrolls the package to remove the next adhesive gel, and a pencil
case package.
[0118] With reference to FIG. 33, shown is a process to apply the
phototherapy device including a replaced sticky gel component to a
user treatment area. Initially, the user removes the sticky gel
replacement backing 302. Next, the user applies, with pressure, the
phototherapy device 100 to a treatment area and activates the
ON/OFF bottom switch 105 to begin a phototherapy treatment session,
as shown in FIG. 34.
[0119] FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrate another stretchable wearable
therapeutic lamp platform 400 according to an exemplary embodiment
of this disclosure. The therapeutic lamp platform including a SIM
(Subscriber Identity Module) operatively connected to the
platform.
[0120] As shown, the phototherapy device 400 includes a plurality
of soft surface pods 402, a plurality of expandable LED wire
encasements 404, a controller 406 and a SIM Card device 408, which
is used to activate the phototherapy device to provide a
predetermined number of dosages of light therapy treatment, for
example, 2-100 or any other number of dosages/sessions, including
an unlimited number of treatments.
[0121] According to one exemplary embodiment, the SIM Card is a
consumable product purchased by a user to provide a limited number
of treatments before being required to purchase another SIM Card or
electronically purchase the additional dosages for the depleted SIM
Card.
[0122] FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
wearable therapeutic lamp platform 420 including a SIM top end card
slot 424 and controller 422.
[0123] FIGS. 36A and 36B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
wearable therapeutic lamp platform 440 including a SIM side card
slot 444 and associated controller 442.
[0124] FIGS. 37A and 37B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
wearable therapeutic lamp platform 450 including a SIM retro video
game card slot 454 and associated controller 452.
[0125] FIGS. 38A, 38B and 38C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of
a wearable therapeutic lamp platform 460 including a combination
SIM and SIM card reader 464 and associated controller 462.
[0126] FIGS. 39A, 39B and 39C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of
a wearable therapeutic lamp platform 470 including a combination
SIM 476 and SIM card reader 474 outside of the main pod, and
associated controller 472.
[0127] FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C illustrate a stretchable wearable
lamp platform according to an exemplary embodiment of this
disclosure.
[0128] As shown, the phototherapy device 480 includes a plurality
of soft surface pods 482 operatively interconnected by a plurality
of expandable LED wire encasements 484 and a controller 486.
[0129] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
another stretchable wearable lamp platform 500 according to this
disclosure.
[0130] As shown, the phototherapy device 500 includes a plurality
of hard surface pods 502 and a controller pod 504, where the device
emits therapeutic lamp radiation 506.
[0131] FIG. 42 illustrates the adhesive layer construction 508 of
the stretchable wearable lamp platform shown in FIG. 41.
[0132] As shown, the adhesive layer construction 508, i.e. sticky
gel component, includes an adhesive layer 510 for attaching to the
phototherapy device, a mid-layer structural layer 512 and an
adhesive layer for the skin 514 of the user treatment area.
[0133] FIGS. 43A and 43B are detail views of the structural and
electrical interconnection of the pods associated with the
stretchable wearable lamp platform shown in FIG. 41.
[0134] As shown, the soft surface pod 482 is operatively connected
to an expandable LED wire encasement 484 where the radial
configuration provides for flexibility and stretchability of wires
516 which drive the LEDs.
[0135] FIGS. 44A and 44B are additional detail views of the
structural and electrical interconnections of the pods associated
with the stretchable wearable lamp platform shown in FIG. 41, where
FIG. 44A shows the wire encasement in a contracted form and FIG.
44B shows the wire encasement in an expanded form.
[0136] FIGS. 45A, 45B and 45C are illustrations of a flexible
wearable lamp platform 600 according to an exemplary embodiment of
this disclosure.
[0137] As shown, the phototherapy device 600 includes handles 602,
a flexible stretchable layer 604, LED strips 606 and an ON/OFF
control switch encasement.
[0138] FIG. 46 illustrates the flexible wearable lamp platform
shown in FIGS. 45A, 45B and 45C, applied to a user's lower back
area.
[0139] FIG. 47 illustrates another flexible wearable lamp platform
700 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the
platform 700 including handles 702, and an on/off control
encasement 704, where the device provides therapeutic lamp
radiation 706.
[0140] FIG. 48 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the
replaceable adhesive layers included in the flexible wearable lamp
platform shown in FIG. 47, and FIG. 49 illustrates the layered
construction of the replaceable adhesive layers shown in FIG.
48.
[0141] As shown, included is a first adhesive pad portion 710 and a
second adhesive pad portion 712. Adhesive pads 710 and 712 include
an adhesive layer 714 to attach to the phototherapy device
structure, a mid-layer structural component 716 and an adhesive
layer 718 for attaching to the skin.
[0142] With reference to FIGS. 50A-50E, shown are flow charts of a
control program to operate a flexible wearable therapeutic lamp
platform according to an exemplary embodiment of this
disclosure.
[0143] FIG. 50A is a flow chart of the main operational control
program, which operates as follows:
[0144] Initially at step S802, the phototherapy device is under
power and operates in a Sleep Mode with the LCD display off.
[0145] During Sleep Mode, the control program executes a CM &
PLD (Charge Manager and Power LED Display) subcontrol program S804,
as shown in FIG. 50D.
[0146] Next, the control program executes a Refill and LCD Display
subcontrol program S806, as shown in FIG. 50E.
[0147] Next, at step S808, the control program monitors the control
ON/OFF button to determine if the ON/OFF button is pushed for 1
second. If not, the control program returns to step S802. If yes,
the control program next executes step S810 to determine if the
device has remaining dosages available.
[0148] If the dosage counter is zero, then the control program
executes step S812 and blinks the dose value of "0" on the LCD to
notify the user that no dosages are available. If there are
remaining dosages, the control program executes step S814 to
perform a Start Check subcontrol as shown in FIG. 50B.
[0149] If the Start Check subcontrol program is not executed
satisfactorily, the control program returns to step S802.
[0150] After the Start Check subcontrol program is executed
successfully, the control program executes step S816 to display the
dose number, step S818 and S820 to ramp-up the LED to full power in
0.5 seconds, executes CM & PLD subcontrol program S822, step
S824 to beep the buzzer once, and step S826 to start a 15 minute
dosage session counter.
[0151] Next, at step S828, the control program monitors the dosage
session counter until the active dosage session is completed, at
which time step S832 beeps the buzzer twice and, at step S830, LED
power is blinked for 1 second S834, both steps S832 and S830
notifying the user the currently active dosage session has been
completed.
[0152] Next, the control program executes step S844 to ramp down
LED power in 0.5 seconds, then the control program executes step
S850 to shut off the LEDs, step S852 to shut off power to the LEDs,
and step S854 to display available number of doses to the user,
which is one less than previously available and displayed at step
S816.
[0153] Next, the control program reviews Sleep Mode at step
S802.
[0154] If, at step S828, the control program has not yet reached
the end of the current active dosage session, the control program
executes step 834 to monitor the ON/OFF button state, where, if the
ON/OFF button is not pressed for 1 second, the control program
executes subcontrol program System Check at step S836 and
subcontrol program CM & PLD control program at step S838 until
the current active dosage session is completed.
[0155] In the event the user presses the ON/OFF button for 1 second
during the dosage session, the control program terminates the
current active dosage session by executing step S840 to beep the
buzzer three times and step S842 to blink the LED power for 1
second, and then executes steps S844, S850, S852 and S854 as
previously described.
[0156] FIG. 50B is a flow chart of the Start Check subcontrol
program S814.
[0157] Initially, at step S836, the system Check Start subcontrol
program S836 is executed and if not completed successfully, the
subcontrol program performs step S862 to blink the LCD display and
LED power to notify user at the failure, and returns to main
program at step S864 indicating "NO" passage of Start Check.
[0158] After the successful completion of step S836, the subcontrol
program executes step S866 to determine if there is enough battery
power/charge to complete a phototherapy dose; if there is not, the
subcontrol program blinks the LEDs 5 times fast to notify the user
and returns to the main program at step S864.
[0159] FIG. 50C is a flow chart of the system Check Start
subcontrol program S836.
[0160] The system Check Start subcontrol program monitors LED power
draw at step S882 and after the LED power is greater than 450 mA,
indicating a proper dosage radiant energy amount, the subcontrol
program returns to the main program at S886 to continue executing
the main control program to provide a dosage, otherwise a "NO" is
returned at step S884 until adequate power is drawn by the
LEDs.
[0161] FIG. 50D is a flow chart of the CM & PLD subcontrol
program.
[0162] Initially, the subcontrol program S804 determines if the
charge cord is plugged in at step S892. If the charge cord is not
plugged in, step S900 is executed to determine if the power is ON,
and, if it is, the LEDs are powered at step S902, and, at step
S898, the CM & PLD subcontrol program is exited. If the power
is determined to be OFF at step S900, the CM & PLO subcontrol
program is exited at step S898.
[0163] If the charge cord is determined to be plugged in at S892,
the subcontrol program determines at step S894 if the battery is
fully charged. If YES, step S904 maintains charge and the power ON
LED is illuminated and step S898 is performed to exit the CM &
PLD subcontrol program. If the battery is determined to require
charging at step S894, the subcontrol program executes step S896 to
charge the battery while pulsating the power LED until the device
is fully charged.
[0164] After completion of the battery charging step S896, the
subcontrol program performs step S898 to exit the CM & PLD
subcontrol program.
[0165] FIG. 50E is a flow chart of the Refill and LED display
subcontrol program S806.
[0166] Initially, the subcontrol program determines if the dosage
number is equal to 0. If it is equal, step S924 is executed to
determine if a refill cartridge is plugged in the device. If no
refill cartridge is available, the subcontrol program executes step
S916 to blink the dose value on the display to notify the user a
refill is required.
[0167] After step S924 determines a refill cartridge is available,
step S926 determines if the refill cartridge is authorized. If the
refill cartridge is not authorized, steps S928 and S930 are
executed to disable the refill cartridge. If the refill cartridge
is determined to be authorized, the subcontrol program executes
step S932 to display the addition of the refill doses amount and
step S934 displays the total number of available doses for 10
seconds to the user.
[0168] At step S918, the subcontrol program monitors the ON/OFF
button and if the ON/OFF button is not pressed, the subcontrol
program exits at step S922. If the ON/OFF button is pressed for 1
second, step S920 is executed to display on the LCD the dose value
for 10 seconds and then performs step S922 to exit the subcontrol
program.
[0169] Some portions of the detailed description herein are
presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of
operations on data bits performed by conventional computer
components, including a central processing unit (CPU), memory
storage devices for the CPU, and connected display devices. These
algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by
those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively
convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An
algorithm is generally perceived as a self-consistent sequence of
steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring
physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not
necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or
magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined,
compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at
times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these
signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms,
numbers, or the like.
[0170] It should be understood, however, that all of these and
similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical
quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these
quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from
the discussion herein, it is appreciated that throughout the
description, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing" or
"computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or "displaying" or
the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system,
or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and
transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities
within the computer system's registers and memories into other data
similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer
system memories or registers or other such information storage,
transmission or display devices.
[0171] The exemplary embodiment also relates to an apparatus for
performing the operations discussed herein. This apparatus may be
specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise
a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by
a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program
may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but
is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical
disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories
(ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or
optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic
instructions, and each coupled to a computer system bus.
[0172] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not
inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus.
Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in
accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to
construct more specialized apparatus to perform the methods
described herein. The structure for a variety of these systems is
apparent from the description above. In addition, the exemplary
embodiment is not described with reference to any particular
programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of
programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the
exemplary embodiment as described herein.
[0173] A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing
or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g.,
a computer). For instance, a machine-readable medium includes read
only memory ("ROM"); random access memory ("RAM"); magnetic disk
storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; and
electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals
(e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.),
just to mention a few examples.
[0174] The methods illustrated throughout the specification, may be
implemented in a computer program product that may be executed on a
computer. The computer program product may comprise a
non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which a
control program is recorded, such as a disk, hard drive, or the
like. Common forms of non-transitory computer-readable media
include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks,
magnetic tape, or any other magnetic storage medium, CD-ROM, DVD,
or any other optical medium, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a
FLASH-EPROM, or other memory chip or cartridge, or any other
tangible medium from which a computer can read and use.
[0175] Alternatively, the method may be implemented in transitory
media, such as a transmittable carrier wave in which the control
program is embodied as a data signal using transmission media, such
as acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio
wave and infrared data communications, and the like.
[0176] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed
and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be
combined into many other different systems or applications. Various
presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications,
variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by
those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed
by the following claims.
* * * * *