U.S. patent application number 15/977209 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-14 for non-invasive phototherapeutic system.
The applicant listed for this patent is JiPhoton Therapeutics Inc.. Invention is credited to Rui Wu, Chaohui Yang, Xicheng Yang.
Application Number | 20190344092 15/977209 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68391713 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190344092 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yang; Chaohui ; et
al. |
November 14, 2019 |
NON-INVASIVE PHOTOTHERAPEUTIC SYSTEM
Abstract
A phototherapeutic system for providing phototherapy inside a
user's mouth comprises a housing; and a plurality of radiation
sources disposed in the housing, wherein the plurality of radiation
sources is configured to provide to the user's mouth a plurality of
beams, wherein at least two beams of the plurality of beams have
different wavelengths, and wherein a portion of the housing is
configured to receive a pressure resulting from the user's mouth so
as to prevent the housing from moving during the phototherapy.
Inventors: |
Yang; Chaohui; (Bedford,
NY) ; Yang; Xicheng; (Shanghai, CN) ; Wu;
Rui; (Guangzhou, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JiPhoton Therapeutics Inc. |
Bedford |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68391713 |
Appl. No.: |
15/977209 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 2005/0651 20130101;
A61N 2005/0628 20130101; A61N 2005/0606 20130101; A61N 2005/0626
20130101; A61N 2005/067 20130101; A61N 2005/0643 20130101; A61N
5/0603 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61N 5/06 20060101
A61N005/06 |
Claims
1. A phototherapeutic system for providing phototherapy inside a
user's mouth, comprising: a housing; and a plurality of radiation
sources disposed in the housing, wherein the plurality of radiation
sources is configured to provide to the user's mouth a plurality of
beams, wherein at least two beams of the plurality of beams have
different wavelengths, wherein a portion of the housing is
configured to receive a pressure resulting from the user's mouth so
as to prevent the housing from moving during the phototherapy, and
wherein the portion of the housing comprises a saw-tooth shaped
track, the saw-tooth shaped track being configured to allow the
user to apply pressure on the portion of the housing by biting
between adjacent teeth of the saw-tooth shaped track, and the
saw-tooth shaped track being further configured to allow a mouth
shield to be mounted on the housing, the mouth shield being
configured to: slide back and forth along the housing so as to
adjust positions of the plurality of radiation sources inside the
user's mouth; and prevent, by allowing the user to bite the mouth
shield, the phototherapeutic system from slipping into the user's
digestive canal or being swallowed by the user when the mouth
shield is mounted on the housing during operation of the
phototherapeutic system.
2. The phototherapeutic system of claim 1, wherein each period of a
beam waveform has a combination of different wave shapes selected
from a group consisting of a rectangle, a triangle, a sinusoidal
shape, a square, and a semi-circle, and wherein at least one of the
plurality of radiation sources is configurted to rotate at its own
location so that radiation beams provided by the at least one of
the radiation sources are redirected to different directions at
different times.
3. The phototherapeutic system of claim 1, further comprising: one
or more sensors disposed in the housing, wherein the one or more
sensors are configured to provide one or more values related to
surrounding of the one or more sensors, and wherein the one or more
sensors comprise a photo sensor configured to provide a total
intensity related to radiations from surrounding of the
phototherapeutic system; a user interface disposed on an exterior
surface of the housing, wherein the user interface is configured to
receive an input for controlling operation of the phototherapeutic
system; a switch control circuit disposed in the housing, wherein
the switch control circuit is configured to control an operating
state of the phototherapeutic system based on the input received by
the user interface and the one or more values provided by the one
or more sensors; and one or more output components disposed in the
housing, the one or more output components being configured to
deliver to the user information related to the operating state of
the plurality of radiation sources.
4. The phototherapeutic system of claim 3, wherein the switch
control circuit is further configured to: change the operating
state of the phototherapeutic system from a stop state to an active
state responsive to a user's request to operate the
phototherapeutic system and the one or more values provided by the
one or more sensors meeting or crossing one or more respective
thresholds, wherein, in the active state, the plurality of beams is
provided by the plurality of radiation sources, and wherein, in the
stop state, the plurality of beams is not provided by the plurality
of radiation sources; control the one or more output components to
deliver to the user the information indicative of denying the
user's request to operate the phototherapeutic system responsive to
the user's request to operate the phototherapeutic system when not
all of the one or more values provided by the one or more sensors
meet or cross the one or more respective thresholds; and change the
operating state of the phototherapeutic system, during operating of
the phototherapeutic system, from the active state to the stop
state when not all of the one or more values provided by the one or
more sensors meet or cross the one or more respective
thresholds.
5. The phototherapeutic system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of
radiation sources comprise a first radiation source and a second
radiation source, wherein the first radiation source is configured
to provide a first beam to the user's mouth, and the second
radiation source is configured to provide a second beam to the
user's mouth, a first portion of the first beam being not
overlapped with a second portion of the second beam, and a second
portion of the first beam being overlapped with a first portion of
the second beam, and wherein the first radiation source is further
configured to redirect the first beam until the first portion of
the first beam is overlapped with the second portion of the second
beam, the second portion of the first beam being not overlapped
with the first portion of the second beam.
6. The phototherapeutic system of claim 4, further comprising a
radiation control circuit disposed in the housing and in
communication with the switch control circuit, wherein the
radiation control circuit is configured to modulate at least one of
the plurality of beams with respect to one or more parameters
selected from a group consisting of average power, crest power,
trough power, wave frequency, wave shape, and operating time period
based on the input received by the user interface.
7. The phototherapeutic system of claim 6, further comprising a
protection sleeve configured to cover the mouth shield, the
housing, and the plurality of radiation sources so as to prevent
the user from contaminating the mouth shield, the housing, and the
plurality of radiation sources while allowing the plurality of
beams provided by the plurality of radiation sources for passing
through the protection sleeve.
8. A method of providing phototherapy inside a user's mouth,
comprising: providing a phototherapeutic system, comprising: a
housing; a plurality of radiation sources disposed in the housing,
wherein the plurality of radiation sources is configured to provide
to the user's mouth a plurality of beams, wherein at least two
beams of the plurality of beams have different wavelengths, wherein
at least one of the plurality of radiation sources is configurted
to rotate at its own location so that radiation beams provided by
the at least one of the radiation sources are redirected to
different directions at different times, wherein a portion of the
housing is configured to receive a pressure resulting from the
user's mouth so as to prevent the housing from moving during the
phototherapy, and wherein the portion of the housing comprises a
saw-tooth shaped track, the saw-tooth shaped track being configured
to allow the user to apply pressure on the portion of the housing
by biting between adjacent teeth of the saw-tooth shaped track, and
the saw-tooth shaped track being further configured to allow a
mouth shield to be mounted on the housing, the mouth shield being
configured to: slide back and forth along the housing so as to
adjust positions of the plurality of radiation sources inside the
user's mouth; and prevent, by allowing the user to bite the mouth
shield, the phototherapeutic system from slipping into the user's
digestive canal or being swallowed by the user when the mouth
shield is mounted on the housing during operation of the
phototherapeutic system, one or more sensors disposed in the
housing, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to provide
one or more values related to surrounding of the one or more
sensors; a user interface disposed on an exterior surface of the
housing, wherein the user interface is configured to receive an
input for controlling operation of the phototherapeutic system; a
switch control circuit disposed in the housing; and one or more
output components disposed in the housing; controlling, by the
switch control circuit, an operating state of the phototherapeutic
system based on the input received by the user interface and the
one or more values provided by the one or more sensors; and
delivering, by the one or more output components, to the user
information related to the operating state of the phototherapeutic
system.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein each period of a beam waveform
has a combination of different wave shapes selected from a group
consisting of a rectangle, a triangle, a sinusoidal shape, a
square, and a semi-circle, the method further comprising: changing
the operating state of the phototherapeutic system from a stop
state to an active state responsive to a user's request to operate
the phototherapeutic system and the one or more values provided by
the one or more sensors meeting or crossing one or more respective
thresholds, wherein, in the active state, the plurality of beams is
provided by the plurality of radiation sources, and wherein, in the
stop state, the plurality of beams is not provided by the plurality
of radiation sources; controlling the one or more output components
to deliver to the user the information indicative of denying the
user's request to operate the phototherapeutic system responsive to
the user's request to operate the phototherapeutic system when not
all of the one or more values provided by the one or more sensors
meet or cross the one or more respective thresholds; and changing
the operating state of the phototherapeutic system, during
operating of the phototherapeutic system, from the active state to
the stop state when not all of the one or more values provided by
the one or more sensors meet or cross the one or more respective
thresholds.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein a first beam of the at least two
beams provided by a first radiation source has a wavelength between
500 nanometers (nm) and 700 nm, and a second beam of the at least
two beams provided by a second radiation source has a wavelength
between 700 nm and 900 nm, and wherein the one or more sensors
comprise a photo sensor configured to provide a total intensity
related to radiations from surrounding of the photo sensor.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein both the first beam and the
second beam have a beam angle between 25 degrees and 30 degrees,
wherein the first beam is overlapped with the second beam in the
user's mouth, wherein a first irradiation spot in the user's mouth
resulting from the first beam has a first diameter between 2
centimeters (cm) and 5 cm, and a second irradiation spot in the
user's mouth resulting from the second beam has a second diameter
between 2 cm and 5 cm, and wherein an overlapped portion between
the first irradiation spot and the second irradiation spot has a
third diameter between 1 cm and 3.5 cm.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: providing, by the
first radiation source and the second radiation source
respectively, the first beam and the second beam to the user's
mouth, a first portion of the first beam being not overlapped with
a second portion of the second beam, and a second portion of the
first beam being overlapped with a first portion of the second
beam; and redirecting, by the first radiation source, the first
beam until the first portion of the first beam is overlapped with
the second portion of the second beam, the second portion of the
first beam being not overlapped with the first portion of the
second beam.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the phototherapeutic system
further comprises a radiation control circuit disposed in the
housing and in communication with the switch control circuit, and
wherein the method further comprises modulating, by the radiation
control circuit, at least one of the plurality of beams with
respect to one or more parameters selected from a group consisting
of average power, crest power, trough power, wave frequency, wave
shape, and operating time period based on the input received by the
user interface.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of beams
has a power between 5 milliwatts (mW) and 20 mW, and wherein the
plurality of radiation sources comprises one or more radiation
sources selected from a group consisting of light-emitting diodes
(LEDs), laser diodes (LDs), vertical external cavity surface
emitting lasers (VECSELs), and vertical cavity surface emitting
lasers (VCSELs).
15. A machine-readable tangible and non-transitory medium having
instructions for providing phototherapy inside a user's mouth
through a phototherapeutic system, the phototherapeutic system
comprising: a housing; a plurality of radiation sources disposed in
the housing, wherein the plurality of radiation sources is
configured to provide to the user's mouth a plurality of beams,
wherein at least two beams of the plurality of beams have different
wavelengths, wherein at least one of the plurality of radiation
sources is configurted to rotate at its own location so that
radiation beams provided by the at least one of the radiation
sources are redirected to different directions at different times,
and wherein a portion of the housing is configured to receive a
pressure resulting from the user's mouth so as to prevent the
housing from moving during the phototherapy, and wherein the
portion of the housing comprises a saw-tooth shaped track, the
saw-tooth shaped track being configured to allow the user to apply
pressure on the portion of the housing by biting between adjacent
teeth of the saw-tooth shaped track, and the saw-tooth shaped track
being further configured to allow a mouth shield to be mounted on
the housing, the mouth shield being configured to: slide back and
forth along the housing so as to adjust positions of the plurality
of radiation sources inside the user's mouth; and prevent, by
allowing the user to bite the mouth shield, the phototherapeutic
system from slipping into the user's digestive canal or being
swallowed by the user when the mouth shield is mounted on the
housing during operation of the phototherapeutic system, one or
more sensors disposed in the housing, wherein the one or more
sensors are configured to provide one or more values related to
surrounding of the one or more sensors; a user interface disposed
on an exterior surface of the housing, wherein the user interface
is configured to receive an input for controlling operation of the
phototherapeutic system; a switch control circuit disposed in the
housing; and one or more output components disposed in the housing,
wherein the instructions, when read by a hardware processor system,
causes the hardware processor system to: control, through the
switch control circuit, an operating state of the phototherapeutic
system based on the input received by the user interface and the
one or more values provided by the one or more sensors; and
deliver, through the one or more output components, to the user
information related to the operating state of the phototherapeutic
system.
16. The machine-readable tangible and non-transitory medium of
claim 15, wherein each period of a beam waveform has a combination
of different wave shapes selected from a group consisting of a
rectangle, a triangle, a sinusoidal shape, a square, and a
semi-circle, and wherein the instructions, when read by the
hardware processor system, further causes the hardware processor
system to: change the operating state of the phototherapeutic
system from a stop state to an active state responsive to a user's
request to operate the phototherapeutic system and the one or more
values provided by the one or more sensors meeting or crossing one
or more respective thresholds, wherein, in the active state, the
plurality of beams is provided by the plurality of radiation
sources, and wherein, in the stop state, the plurality of beams is
not provided by the plurality of radiation sources; control the one
or more output components to deliver to the user the information
indicative of denying the user's request to operate the
phototherapeutic system responsive to the user's request to operate
the phototherapeutic system when not all of the one or more values
provided by the one or more sensors meet or cross the one or more
respective thresholds; and change the operating state of the
phototherapeutic system, during operating of the phototherapeutic
system, from the active state to the stop state when not all of the
one or more values provided by the one or more sensors meet or
cross the one or more respective thresholds.
17. The machine-readable tangible and non-transitory medium of
claim 16, wherein a first beam of the at least two beams provided
by a first radiation source has a wavelength between 500 nanometers
(nm) and 700 nm, and a second beam of the at least two beams
provided by a second radiation source has a wavelength between 700
nm and 900 nm, and wherein the one or more sensors comprise a photo
sensor configured to provide a total intensity related to
radiations from surrounding of the photo sensor.
18. The machine-readable tangible and non-transitory medium of
claim 17, wherein both the first beam and the second beam have a
beam angle between 25 degrees and 30 degrees, wherein the first
beam is overlapped with the second beam in the user's mouth,
wherein a first irradiation spot in the user's mouth resulting from
the first beam has a first diameter between 2 centimeters (cm) and
5 cm, and a second irradiation spot in the user's mouth resulting
from the second beam has a second diameter between 2 cm and 5 cm,
and wherein an overlapped portion between the first irradiation
spot and the second irradiation spot has a third diameter between 1
cm and 3.5 cm.
19. The machine-readable tangible and non-transitory medium of
claim 18, wherein the instructions, when read by the hardware
processor system, further causes the hardware processor system to:
provide, through the first radiation source and the second
radiation source respectively, the first beam and the second beam
to the user's mouth, a first portion of the first beam being not
overlapped with a second portion of the second beam, and a second
portion of the first beam being overlapped with a first portion of
the second beam; and redirect, through the first radiation source,
the first beam until the first portion of the first beam is
overlapped with the second portion of the second beam, the second
portion of the first beam being not overlapped with the first
portion of the second beam.
20. The machine-readable tangible and non-transitory medium of
claim 19, wherein the phototherapeutic system further comprises a
radiation control circuit disposed in the housing and in
communication with the switch control circuit, and wherein the
instructions, when read by the hardware processor system, further
causes the hardware processor system to modulate, through the
radiation control circuit, at least one of the plurality of beams
with respect to one or more parameters selected from a group
consisting of average power, crest power, trough power, wave
frequency, wave shape, and operating time period based on the input
received by the user interface.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to non-invasive
phototherapeutic system and method of providing intra-oral
phototherapy.
2. Discussion of Technical Background
[0002] It has been discovered that intra-oral phototherapy is an
effective treatment for improving a patient's health condition. In
an intra-oral phototherapy, electromagnetic radiations in form of
radiation beams are provided inside the patient's mouth.
Configurations of the existing phototherapeutic systems, however,
limit the applicability for such intra-oral phototherapy. For
example, a patient needs to use his hand to hold the
phototherapeutic system during the whole treatment, which adversely
affects the patient's user experience. Alternatively, an external
device may be used to replace the patient's hand to hold the
phototherapeutic system during the whole treatment, which however
limits the portability of the phototherapeutic system since the
phototherapeutic system has to be close to the external device when
in use. In addition, the electromagnetic radiations provided by the
existing phototherapeutic system are limited to either continuous
or pulsed laser beams. The limited waveforms of the electromagnetic
radiations accordingly provide a very limited number of forms of
stimulations to the patient, which adversely affect the
effectiveness of the phototherapy particularly after using the
phototherapeutic system for several times. Therefore, a need exists
for an improved phototherapeutic system and method for providing
the intra-oral phototherapy.
SUMMARY
[0003] In an example embodiment, there is provided a
phototherapeutic system for providing phototherapy inside a user's
mouth, comprising: a housing; and a plurality of radiation sources
disposed in the housing, wherein the plurality of radiation sources
is configured to provide to the user's mouth a plurality of beams,
wherein at least two beams of the plurality of beams have different
wavelengths, and wherein a portion of the housing is configured to
receive a pressure resulting from the user's mouth so as to prevent
the housing from moving during the phototherapy.
[0004] In another example embodiment, there is provided a method of
providing phototherapy inside a user's mouth, comprising: providing
a phototherapeutic system, comprising: a housing; a plurality of
radiation sources disposed in the housing, wherein the plurality of
radiation sources is configured to provide to the user's mouth a
plurality of beams, wherein at least two beams of the plurality of
beams have different wavelengths, wherein a portion of the housing
is configured to receive a pressure resulting from the user's mouth
so as to prevent the housing from moving during the phototherapy;
one or more sensors disposed in the housing, wherein the one or
more sensors are configured to provide one or more values related
to surrounding of the one or more sensors; a user interface
disposed on an exterior surface of the housing, wherein the user
interface is configured to receive an input for controlling
operation of the phototherapeutic system; a switch control circuit
disposed in the housing; and one or more output components disposed
in the housing; controlling, by the switch control circuit, an
operating state of the phototherapeutic system based on the input
received by the user interface and the one or more values provided
by the one or more sensors; and delivering, by the one or more
output components, to the user information related to the operating
state of the phototherapeutic system.
[0005] Other concepts relate to software for operating the
phototherapeutic system as described herein. A software product, in
accord with this concept, includes at least one machine-readable
non-transitory medium and information carried by the medium.
[0006] In an example embodiment, there is provided a
machine-readable tangible and non-transitory medium having
instructions for providing phototherapy inside a user's mouth
through a phototherapeutic system, the phototherapeutic system
comprising: a housing; a plurality of radiation sources disposed in
the housing, wherein the plurality of radiation sources is
configured to provide to the user's mouth a plurality of beams,
wherein at least two beams of the plurality of beams have different
wavelengths, wherein a portion of the housing is configured to
receive a pressure resulting from the user's mouth so as to prevent
the housing from moving during the phototherapy; one or more
sensors disposed in the housing, wherein the one or more sensors
are configured to provide one or more values related to surrounding
of the one or more sensors; a user interface disposed on an
exterior surface of the housing, wherein the user interface is
configured to receive an input for controlling operation of the
phototherapeutic system; a switch control circuit disposed in the
housing; and one or more output components disposed in the housing,
wherein the instructions, when read by a hardware processor system,
causes the hardware processor system to: control, through the
switch control circuit, an operating state of the phototherapeutic
system based on the input received by the user interface and the
one or more values provided by the one or more sensors; and
deliver, through the one or more output components, to the user
information related to the operating state of the phototherapeutic
system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The embodiments will be more readily understood in view of
the following description when accompanied by the below figures and
wherein like reference numerals represent like elements,
wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a phototherapeutic system
for providing phototherapy inside a user's mouth according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a radiation generator in an
X-Y plane according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view showing operation of a static
radiation generator in a Y-Z plane according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4A is a side view showing operation of a dynamic
radiation generator in a Y-Z plane at a first time according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 4B is a side view showing operation of a dynamic
radiation generator in a Y-Z plane at a second time according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a user's mouth during
phototherapy;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a user's mouth during
phototherapy;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a user interface for use in
a phototherapeutic system according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a user interface for use in
a phototherapeutic system according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a user interface for use in
a phototherapeutic system according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 10 shows an example waveform of radiation beams
provided by a radiation generator according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 11 shows an example waveform of radiation beams
provided by a radiation generator according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 12 shows an example waveform of radiation beams
provided by a radiation generator according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 13 shows an example waveform of radiation beams
provided by a radiation generator according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a phototherapeutic system
having a therapeutic device and a remote control according to an
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a therapeutic device
according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a remote control according
to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a therapeutic device
according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a remote control according
to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a therapeutic device
according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a remote control according
to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 21 is a general computer architecture on which the
present disclosure can be implemented;
[0030] FIG. 22 schematically depicts an embodiment of a
phototherapeutic device;
[0031] FIG. 23 schematically depicts an embodiment of a
phototherapeutic device;
[0032] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a phototherapeutic system
according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 25 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for
performing phototherapy using a phototherapeutic system according
to an embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0034] FIG. 26 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for
performing phototherapy using a phototherapeutic system according
to an embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be
described in conjunction with the embodiments, it will be
understood that they are not intended to limit the present
disclosure to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present
disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of
the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0036] In addition, in the following detailed description of
embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
present disclosure. However, it will be recognized by one of
ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not
been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of
the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0037] Described herein are phototherapeutic system and method of
providing phototherapy inside a user's mouth. The phototherapeutic
system includes a radiation generator having a plurality of
radiation sources. The plurality of radiation sources may be
arranged in a row, in a column, in a two-dimensional array, in a
three-dimensional array, or in any other suitable manners. In an
embodiment, at least one of the radiation sources can be rotatable
at their respective locations so that the radiation beams provided
by the at least one of the radiation sources can be redirected to
different directions at different times, thereby scanning over a
predetermined portion inside the user's mouth. In addition, the
radiation beams provided by adjacent radiation sources may be
partially overlapped. The radiation beams provided by different
radiation sources may have different wavelengths and different
powers. Further, the phototherapeutic system may include a
radiation control circuit configured to modulate the radiation
beams to different waveforms according to one or more parameters
selected from a group consisting of average power, crest power,
trough power, wave frequency, wave shape, and operating time
period.
[0038] In an embodiment, the phototherapeutic system includes a
housing, a portion of which receives a pressure directly or
indirectly from the user's mouth during the phototherapy. The
pressure prevents the housing from moving during the phototherapy.
In an embodiment, the portion of the housing includes a track. The
track may be made from any suitable material, for example, plastic.
In an embodiment, the track is a saw-tooth shaped track. In some
examples, the user's mouth may apply the pressure on the portion of
the housing by biting between adjacent teeth of the track. In some
examples, a mouth shield may be mounted on the housing through the
track. In addition, the mouth shield may slide along the housing
through the track so as to adjust relative positions of the
plurality of radiation sources with respect to the user's mouth. As
such, the user's mouth may apply the pressure on the portion of the
housing by biting the mouth shield. In an embodiment, the track may
have any other suitable configurations. For example, the track may
include a plurality of columns arranged in a two-dimensional array
or any other suitable patterns. In this example, the user's mouth
may apply the pressure on the portion of the housing by biting
between adjacent columns of the track.
[0039] In an embodiment, the phototherapeutic system includes a
variety of sensors disposed in or on an exterior surface of the
housing and configured to collect data surrounding the
phototherapeutic system. Examples of the variety of sensors may
include, but are not limited to, a temperature sensor, a
photo-sensor, and a distance sensor. The phototherapeutic system
may further include a switch control circuit configured to control
an operating state of the phototherapeutic system based on the user
input and the data collected by the variety of sensors. The use of
the switch control circuit may prevent the phototherapeutic system
from being accidentally turned on by the user. For example, in
response to the user's request to turn on the phototherapeutic
system, the switch control circuit may compare the data in forms of
one or more values collected and provided by the variety of sensors
with a plurality of one or more respective thresholds. As a result,
the switch control circuit may change the operating state of the
phototherapeutic system from a stop state to an active state by
controlling the radiation sources to provide the radiation beams
when the one or more values all meet or cross the one or more
respective thresholds. Otherwise, the switch control circuit may
deliver, through one or more output components, for example, a
speaker, a display, a flash-light emitter, or any combination
therefore, to the user the information indicative of denying the
user's request to turn on the phototherapeutic system when not all
of the one or more values meet or cross the one or more respective
thresholds. In some examples, the switch control circuit may change
the operating state of the phototherapeutic system from the active
state to the stop state by controlling the radiation sources to
stop providing the radiation beams when all the one or more values
do not meet or cross the one or more respective thresholds. In some
examples, the switch control circuit may be separate from the
radiation control circuit. In some examples, the switch control
circuit and the radiation control circuit may be combined into a
single control circuit.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of a
phototherapeutic system 100 is illustrated. The phototherapeutic
system 100 may be a stand-alone system for providing the
phototherapy inside a user's mouth. As shown, the phototherapeutic
system 100 includes a housing 105 and a mouth shield 120 mounted on
the housing 105. The housing 105 may be made from any suitable
material, such as cleanable Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
(ABS)/polycarbonate plastic. The phototherapeutic system 100
further includes various components disposed in or on the exterior
surface of the housing 105. The various components of the
phototherapeutic system 100 may be arranged as shown or in any
other suitable manners.
[0041] As shown, the phototherapeutic system 100 includes a
radiation generator 190. The radiation generator 190 may be
configured to provide a plurality of radiation beams in the user's
mouth for use during the phototherapy. The radiation generator 190
may include a plurality of radiation sources each configured to
emit a radiation beam. For example, each of the radiation beams may
have a power between 5 milliwatts (mW) and 20 mW. The radiation
sources may be laser diodes (LDs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs),
vertical external cavity surface-emitting lasers (VECSELs),
vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), or any
combination thereof. The radiation sources may be arranged in a row
or a column. Alternatively, the radiation sources may be arranged
in a two-dimensional array or a three-dimensional array. In
addition, the radiation beams provided by different radiation
sources may have different wavelengths and different powers. For
example, some radiation sources may provide first radiation beams
having a wavelength or wavelengths between 500 nanometer (nm) and
700 nm, while other radiation sources provide second radiation
beams having a wavelength or wavelengths between 700 nm and 900 nm.
For another example, some radiation sources may provide the first
radiation beams having a wavelength or wavelengths between 630 nm
and 650 nm, while the other radiation sources provide the second
radiation beams having a wavelength or wavelengths between 690 nm
and 705 nm. For yet another example, some radiation sources may
provide the first radiation beams having a wavelength or
wavelengths between 630 nm and 650 nm, while the other radiation
sources provide the second radiation beams having a wavelength or
wavelengths between 810 nm and 830 nm. Further, the radiation beams
provided by adjacent radiation sources may be partially overlapped.
In an embodiment, the radiation generator 190 is a static radiation
generator. In a static radiation generator, none of the radiation
sources can be rotatable at their respective locations.
Accordingly, directions of the radiation beams provided by the
radiation sources are fixed during the operation of the
phototherapeutic system 100. In an embodiment, the radiation
generator 190 is a dynamic radiation generator. In a dynamic
radiation generator, at least one of the radiation sources can be
rotatable at its respective location so that the radiation beams
provided by the at least one of the radiation sources can be
redirected to different directions at different times, thereby
scanning over a predetermined portion inside the user's mouth. More
details regarding the radiation generator 190 will be discussed
below with respect to FIGS. 2, 3, 4A, and 4B.
[0042] The phototherapeutic system 100 includes a user interface
130. The user interface 130 may be configured to receive a user
input 135 from the user of the phototherapeutic system 100. The
user input 135 may include a request to turn on the
phototherapeutic system 100 for starting the phototherapy. The user
input 135 may include a request to turn off the phototherapeutic
system 100 for stopping the phototherapy. In addition, the user
input 135 may be in connection of one or more parameters related to
waveforms of the radiation beams provided by one or more radiation
sources of the radiation generator 190. In some examples, the user
input 135 may explicitly indicate values for one or more parameters
selecting from a group consisting of average power, crest power,
trough power, wave frequency, wave shape, and operating time
period. In some examples, the user input 135 may indicate the
user's personal information which may be further used, by a
radiation control circuit 160, to determine the one or more
parameters as described above using, e.g., machine learning
algorithms.
[0043] As shown, the radiation control circuit 160 includes an
input port coupled to the user interface 130 and configured to
receive the user input 135. The radiation control circuit 160
further includes an output port coupled to the radiation generator
190. The radiation control circuit 160 may be configured to provide
to the radiation generator 190 a control signal to modulate the
radiation beams provided by the radiation generator 190 to
desirable waveforms according to the one or more parameters
selected from the group consisting of average power, crest power,
trough power, wave frequency, wave shape, and operating time period
based on the user input 135. In some examples, the radiation
control circuit 160 may be further configured to determine the
appropriate one or more parameters related to the radiation beams
based on the user's personal information included in the user input
135 as discussed above.
[0044] In an embodiment, a portion of the housing 105 receives a
pressure directly or indirectly from the user's mouth during the
phototherapy. The pressure prevents the housing 105 from moving
before or during the phototherapy. In an embodiment, the portion of
the housing 105 includes a track. The track may be made from any
suitable material, for example, plastic. In an embodiment, the
track is a saw-tooth shaped track. In some examples, the user's
mouth may apply the pressure on the portion of the housing 105 by
biting between adjacent teeth of the track. In some examples, the
mouth shield 120 may be mounted on the housing 105 through the
track. In addition, the mouth shield 120 may slide along the
housing 105 through the track so as to adjust relative positions of
the plurality of radiation sources in the radiation generator 190
with respect to the user's mouth. As such, the user's mouth may
apply the pressure on the portion of the housing 105 by biting the
mouth shield 120, which may assist keeping the user's mouth wide
open while maintaining the position of the phototherapeutic system
100 during the phototherapy, thus preventing the phototherapeutic
system 100 from slipping into, or being swallowed by the user into
the user's digestive canal. In an embodiment, the track may have
any other suitable configurations. For example, the track may
include a plurality of columns arranged in a two-dimensional array
or any other suitable patterns. In this example, the user's mouth
may apply the pressure on the portion of the housing by biting
between adjacent columns of the track.
[0045] In an embodiment, the phototherapeutic system 100 includes
one or more sensors disposed in or on the exterior surface of the
housing 105 and configured to collect data surrounding the
phototherapeutic system 100. The phototherapeutic system 100 may
further include a switch control circuit 150 configured to control
an operating state of the phototherapeutic system 100 based on the
user input 135 and the data collected by the one or more sensors.
In some examples, the switch control circuit 150 may be separate
from the radiation control circuit 160 as shown in FIG. 1. In some
examples, the switch control circuit 150 and the radiation control
circuit 160 may be combined into a single control circuit. Examples
of the one or more sensors may include a photo-sensor 185 and a
pressure sensor 110 as shown in FIG. 1. The photo-sensor 185 may
have an output port coupled to the switch control circuit 150. The
photo-sensor 185 may be configured to determine a total intensity
related to radiations received by the photo-sensor 185 from
surroundings of the photo-sensor 185. The photo-sensor 185 may be
further configured to provide the total intensity to the switch
control circuit 150. The pressure sensor 110 may have an output
port coupled to the switch control circuit 150. The pressure sensor
110 may be attached to the portion of the housing 105 as described
above. The pressure sensor 110 may be configured to determine the
pressure applied to the portion of the housing 105 and further
provide the pressure value to the switch control circuit 150. In
addition or alternatively, examples of the one or more sensors may
further include, but are not limited to, a distance sensor and/or a
temperature sensor. The distance sensor may have an output port
coupled to the switch control circuit 150. The distance sensor may
be configured to determine a temperature around the
phototherapeutic system 100 and further provide the temperature to
the switch control circuit 150. The distance sensor may have an
output port coupled to the switch control circuit 150. The distance
sensor may be situated in or around the radiation generator 190.
The distance sensor may be configured to determine a distance
between the radiation generator 190 and a specific part, for
example, the tongue root or the uvulae, inside the user's mouth
with aid of ultrasounds, infrared rays, and/or other suitable
means.
[0046] In an embodiment, the use of the switch control circuit 150
may prevent the phototherapeutic system 100 from being accidentally
turned on by the user. For example, in response to the user's
request (included in the user input 135) to turn on the
phototherapeutic system 100, the switch control circuit 150 may
compare the data in forms of one or more values collected and
provided by the one or more sensors (e.g., the photo-sensor 185 and
the pressure sensor 110) with a plurality of one or more respective
thresholds. As a result, the switch control circuit 150 may change
the operating state of the phototherapeutic system 100 from a stop
state to an active state by controlling the radiation sources of
the radiation generator 190 to provide the radiation beams when the
one or more values all meet or cross the one or more respective
thresholds. In the example as shown in FIG. 1, the phototherapeutic
system 100 includes the photo-sensor 185 and the pressure sensor
110. The switch control circuit 150 may compare the total intensity
of radiations determined by the photo-sensor 185 with an intensity
threshold 140. The switch control circuit 150 may further compare
the pressure value determined and provided by the pressure sensor
110 with a pressure threshold 145. The switch control circuit 150
may change the operating state of the phototherapeutic system 100
from the stop state to the active state by controlling the
radiation sources of the radiation generator 190 to provide the
radiation beams when the total intensity provided meets or crosses
the intensity threshold 140, and the pressure value meets or
crosses the pressure threshold 145. In addition, the switch control
circuit 150 may further control one or more output components to
deliver to the user information related to the operating state
change of the phototherapeutic system 100. The one or more output
components may include, but are not limited to a display 170, a
speaker 165, a flash-light emitter 180, or any combination
thereof.
[0047] The switch control circuit 150 may not be configured to
change the operating state of the phototherapeutic system 100 from
the stop state to the active state when not all of the one or more
values provided by the one or more sensors meet or cross the one or
more respective threshold. For example, the switch control circuit
150, although receipt through the user interface 130 of the user
input 135 indicative of requesting to turn on the phototherapeutic
system 100 or start the phototherapy, may not control the radiation
generator 190 to provide the radiation beams when the total
intensity of radiations determined by the photo-sensor 185 does not
meet or cross the intensity threshold 140, and/or the pressure
value determined by the pressure sensor 110 does not meet or cross
the intensity threshold 145. In addition, the switch control
circuit 150 may be further configured to control the one or more
output components to deliver to the user information indicative of
denying the user's request to operate the phototherapeutic system
100. As described above, the one or more output components, coupled
to the switch control circuit 150, may include, but are not limited
to, the speaker 165, the display 170, the flash-light emitter 180,
or any combination thereof. Specifically, the speaker 165 may
output a recorded voice message, a beep, or any other suitable
sound. The flash-light emitter 180 may emit flash lights for a
specific period of time, for example, a few seconds. The display
170 may display a text message indicating the user's request to
start the phototherapy is denied.
[0048] In some examples, the switch control circuit 150 may change
the operating state of the phototherapeutic system 100 from the
active state to the stop state by controlling the radiation sources
of the radiation generator 190 to stop providing the radiation
beams when all the one or more values do not meet or cross the one
or more respective thresholds during or after operating the
phototherapeutic system 100. This may happen when the user
intentionally or accidentally stops applying the pressure on the
track attached on the housing 105 with or without aid of the mouth
shield 120 in situations like stopping biting the mouth shield 120
and/or taking the phototherapeutic system 100 out of the user's
mouth during the phototherapy. For example, the switch control
circuit 150 may change the operating state of the phototherapeutic
system 100 from the active state to the stop state during or after
the phototherapy when the total intensity determined by the
photo-sensor 185 fails to meet or cross the intensity threshold
140, and/or the pressure value determined by the pressure sensor
110 fails to meet or cross the pressure threshold 145. In the stop
state, none of the radiation sources in the radiation generator 190
provides radiation beams.
[0049] The phototherapeutic system 100 may further include a power
supply 115. The power supply 115 is any source of power, such as an
AC power supply or a DC power supply, e.g., batteries, solar cells,
etc. In an embodiment, the power supply 115 is an internal
rechargeable Li-ion coin cell battery. A terminal (not shown) may
be provided on the housing 105 for connecting a battery recharger
(not shown) to the batteries in the housing 105. In some examples,
the time needed to recharge the battery for one hour of use from a
drained state is not greater than one hour.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the radiation
generator 190 in an X-Y plane is shown according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure. As shown, the radiation generator 190
includes a plurality of radiation sources 210, 220. In an
embodiment, the plurality of radiation sources 210,220 may provide
radiation beams with different wavelengths. As shown, the radiation
generator 190 may include a first kind of radiation sources,
denoted by hollow circle, each provide radiation beams with a first
wavelength. In an embodiment, the first wavelength may be between
500 nanometers (nm) and 700 nm. In an embodiment, the first
wavelength may be between 630 nm and 650 nm. The radiation
generator 190 may further include a second kind of radiation
sources, denoted by solid circle, each provide radiation beams with
a second wavelength. In an embodiment, the second wavelength may be
between 700 nm and 900 nm. In an embodiment, the second wavelength
may be between 690 nm and 705 nm. In some other examples, the
plurality of radiation sources is the same kind of radiation
sources providing radiation beams with the same wavelengths. In
some other examples, the radiation generator 190 may provide
radiation beams having three or more different wavelengths.
Accordingly, the radiation generator 190 may include three or more
different kinds of radiation sources, each provide radiation beams
with one of the three or more wavelengths. Further, the plurality
of radiation sources 210, 220 may be arranged alternately in a
two-dimensional array in FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the plurality of
radiation sources 210, 220 may be arranged in a two-dimensional
array in some other suitable manner. In an embodiment, the
plurality of radiation sources 210, 220 may be arranged in a column
or in a row. In an embodiment, the plurality of radiation sources
210, 220 may be arranged in a three-dimensional array, where there
may be a non-zero displacement in the Z direction between at least
a pair of radiation sources 210, 220.
[0051] In an embodiment, the radiation generator 190 is a static
radiation generator. This means none of the radiation sources
(e.g., the radiation sources 210, 220) in the radiation generator
190 may be rotatable. As such, none of the radiation beams provided
by the radiation sources (e.g., the radiation sources 210, 220) may
change directions during operations.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 3, a side view of the radiation generator
190 in a Y-Z plane is shown according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. As shown, the radiation generator 190 includes
a first radiation source 312, a second radiation source 314, and a
third radiation source 316. The first radiation source 312 and the
third radiation source 316 are the first kind of radiation sources
210, as the second radiation source 314 is the second kind of
radiation source 220. In this example, the radiation generator 190
is the static radiation generator. Accordingly, the radiation beams
provided by the radiation sources 312, 314, 316 of the radiation
generator 190 have the same direction during operations. Further,
as shown in this example, the radiation sources 312, 314, 316 are
aligned in the X-Y plane, showing no displacement in the Z
direction between any pair of the radiation sources 312, 314, 316.
In some other examples, there may be a non-zero displacement in the
Z direction between at least a pair of the radiation sources 312,
314, 316, resulting the plurality of radiation sources 312, 314,
316 arranged in a three-dimensional array. During operation, as
shown in FIG. 3, a first radiation beam provided by the first
radiation source 312 has a first beam angle 302 between 25 degrees
and 30 degrees, with a first projection 330 of illuminations having
a diameter between 2 centimeters (cm) and 5 cm at a distance 325
between 2 cm and 3.5 cm from the first radiation source 312. A
second radiation beam provided by the second radiation source 314
has a second beam angle 304 between 25 degrees and 30 degrees, with
a second projection 340 of illuminations having a diameter between
2 cm and 5 cm at the distance 325 from the second radiation source
314. A third radiation beam provided by the third radiation source
316 has the first beam angle 302, with a third projection 350 of
illuminations having a diameter between 2 cm and 5 cm at the
distance 325 from the third radiation source 316. A first
overlapped portion 310 between the first projection 330 of
illuminations and the second projection 340 of illuminations has a
diameter between 1 cm and 3.5 cm, as a second overlapped portion
320 between the second projection 340 of illuminations and the
third projection 350 of illuminations has a diameter between 1 cm
and 3.5 cm. The first projection 330 of illuminations, the second
projection 340 of illuminations, and the third projection 350 of
illuminations are provided at the same time.
[0053] In an embodiment, the radiation generator 190 is a dynamic
radiation generator. This means, at least one of the radiation
sources (e.g., the radiation sources 210, 220) in the radiation
generator 190 in FIG. 2 can be rotatable at its respective location
so that the radiation beams provided by the at least one of the
radiation sources (e.g., the radiation sources 210, 220) can be
redirected to different directions at different times, thereby
scanning over a predetermined portion inside the user's mouth.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 4A, a side view of the radiation generator
190 in the Y-Z plane during operation at a first time is shown
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The radiation
generator 190 includes the first radiation source 312 (denoted by
the hollow circle) and the second radiation source 314 (denoted by
the solid circle). The first radiation source 312 is the first kind
of radiation source 210, and the second radiation source 314 is the
second kind of radiation source 220. In this example, the radiation
generator 190 is a dynamic radiation generator. Specifically, in
this example the first radiation source 312 may be rotatable at its
respective location so that the direction of the first radiation
beams provided by the first radiation source 312 can be different
at different times, as the second radiation source 314 cannot be
rotatable and the direction of the second radiation beams provided
by the second radiation source 314 is fixed. As shown in FIG. 4A,
the first radiation beams provided by the first radiation source
312 has the first beam angle 302 between 25 degrees and 30 degrees,
with the first projection 330 of illuminations having a diameter
between 2 cm and 5 cm at the distance 325 between 2 cm and 3.5 cm
from the first radiation source 312. Further, the second radiation
beams provided by the second radiation source 314 has the second
beam angle 304 between 25 degrees and 30 degrees, with the second
projection 340 of illuminations having a diameter between 2 cm and
5 cm at the distance 325 between 2 cm and 3.5 cm from the second
radiation source 312. As shown in FIG. 4A, the third projection 350
of illuminations as discussed with respect to FIG. 3 is not
provided at the first time when both the first projection 330 of
illuminations and the second projection 340 of illuminations are
provided. In addition, a first portion (i.e., the lower portion as
shown in FIG. 4A) of the first radiation beams provided by the
first radiation source 312 is overlapped with the second radiation
beams provided by the second radiation source 314 at the distance
325, as a second portion (i.e., the upper portion as shown in FIG.
4A) of the first radiation beams does not overlapped with the
second radiation beams at the first time. Accordingly, the
overlapped portion 310 of the first projection 330 of illuminations
and the second projection 340 of illuminations has a diameter
between 1 cm and 3.5 cm, similar to that as described with respect
to FIG. 3.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 4B, the side view of the radiation
generator 190 in the Y-Z plane during operation at a second time is
shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. At the second
time, the first radiation source 302 rotates certain degrees so
that the radiation beams provided by the first radiation source 302
is redirected, resulting in the third projection 350 of
illuminations provided at the distance 325 from the first radiation
source 302 at the second time. As shown, the second portion (i.e.,
the upper portion as shown in FIG. 4B) of the first radiation beams
provided by the first radiation source 312 is overlapped with the
second radiation beams provided by the second radiation source 314
at the distance 325 as the first portion (i.e., the lower portion
as shown in FIG. 4B) of the first radiation beams does not overlap
with the second radiation beams at the second time. The overlapped
portion 320 of the second projection 340 of illuminations and the
third projection 350 of illuminations has a diameter between 1 cm
and 3.5 cm, similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3. As
shown in FIG. 4B, the first projection 330 of illuminations is not
provided at the first time when both the second projection 340 of
illuminations and the third projection 350 of illuminations are
provided. Together with FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, it can be seen that
the first projection 330 of illuminations, the second projection
340 of illuminations and the third projection 350 of illuminations
may not be provided at the same time, which is different from FIG.
3. The minimal difference between the first time and the second
time may sometimes be referred to as a transition period of the
dynamic radiation generator. Further, the transition frequency of
the dynamic radiation generator may be defined as the inverse of
the transition period of the dynamic radiation generator.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view 500 of the user's
mouth during phototherapy in the X-Y plane is shown. In this
example, the radiation beams provided by the radiation generator
(e.g., the radiation generator 190) may be illuminated onto the
user's throat. Specifically, the first projection 330 of
illuminations, the second projection 340 of illuminations, and the
third projection 350 of illuminations cover a wide range of the
user's throat, covering the uvula and the palatine tonsil.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 6, another perspective view 600 of the
user's mouth during phototherapy in the X-Y plane is shown. In this
example, the radiation beams provided by the radiation generator
(e.g., the radiation generator 190) may be illuminated onto the
user's tongue. Specifically, the first projection 330 of
illuminations, the second projection 340 of illuminations, and the
third projection 350 of illuminations cover a wide range of the
user's tongue root, for example, the user's root of tongue.
[0058] With respect to both FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the first projection
330 of illuminations, the second projection 340 of illuminations,
and the third projection 350 of illuminations may be provided at
the same time when the radiation generator 190 is configured as the
static radiation generator. In an embodiment, the first projection
330 of illuminations, the second projection 340 of illuminations,
and the third projection 350 of illuminations may be provided at
different times when the radiation generator 190 is configured as
the dynamic radiation generator.
[0059] FIGS. 7-9 shows three examples 700, 800, 900 of the user
interface 130. These three examples shown in FIGS. 7-9 are merely
for illustrating purposes and by no meaning limiting. As described
above, the user interface 130 may be configured to receive the user
input 135 and transmit the user input 135 to the radiation control
circuit 160, which may be further configured to determine, based on
the user input 135, one or more parameters used to modulate the
waveforms of the radiation beams provided by the radiation
generator 190. The three examples shown in FIGS. 7-9 illustrates
using the user interface 130 for receiving different kinds of user
input 135 related to the one or more parameters as discussed
above.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary perspective view 700 of
the user interface 130 for use in the phototherapeutic system 100
is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown,
the user interface 130 includes a display window 710 configured to
display the operating time period. In an embodiment, the initial
value of the operating time period is 30 minutes by default. In an
embodiment, the initial value of the operating time period may be
set to any other suitable length of time. In an embodiment, the
initial value of the operating time period will be shown with
respect to a selection of the therapy mode by the user after one of
the buttons 730-750 is depressed by the user as described below.
The value of the operating time period shown in the display window
710 may decrease as time elapses after starting operating the
phototherapeutic system (e.g., the phototherapeutic system 100).
The value of the operating time period may be adjusted by the user
through the button 720. For example, depressing the button 720
clockwise may increase the value of the operating time period as
depressing the button 720 counterclockwise may decrease the value
of the operating time period shown on the display window 710, or
vice versa.
[0061] Buttons 730-770, denoted by alphabets "A" to "E,"
corresponds to different therapy modes. Each therapy mode
corresponds to a specific but different set of values for the one
or more parameters used to define the waveforms of the radiation
beams provided by the radiation generator 190. The one or more
parameters may include, but are not limited to, operating time
period, average power, crest power, trough power, wave frequency,
wave shape of the waveforms of the radiation beams provided by the
radiation generator 190, or any combination thereof. As such,
selecting a therapy mode by depressing one of the buttons 730-770
is equivalent to select a predetermined set of values for the one
or more parameters.
[0062] The user interface 130 as shown in FIG. 7 further includes a
button 780 used to communicate the user's request to turn on or off
the phototherapeutic system (e.g., the phototherapeutic system
100). Specifically, depressing the button 780 by the user during
the phototherapy may turn off the phototherapeutic system (e.g.,
the phototherapeutic system 100) though depressing the button 780
by the user when the phototherapeutic system (e.g., the
phototherapeutic system 100) is not performing or operating may not
necessarily turn on the phototherapeutic system as discussed above
with respect to FIG. 1.
[0063] In an embodiment, the buttons 720-780 are manually
actuatable elements provided on an exterior surface 705 of the user
interface 130. In addition, the display window 710 is a backlit
liquid crystal display (LCD) and the buttons 720-780, the display
window 710, or both are recessed from the exterior surface 705 of
the user interface 130 to prevent them from being accidentally or
inadvertently actuated or damaged. The shape, texture, or both of
each button 720-780 can be unique to that button to enable the user
to identify a particular button by its feel. One or more of the
buttons 720-780 or features on the buttons 720-780 can also be
lighted, e.g., backlit, so that they can be seen in a dark
room.
[0064] Alternatively, in an embodiment, the buttons 720-780 are
virtually elements. In addition, both the buttons 720-780 and the
display window 710 are presented on an LCD screen provided as the
exterior surface 705 of the user interface 130. Further, the LCD
screen is a backlit LCD so that one or more of the display window
710 and the buttons 720-780 can be lighted and seen in a dark
room.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 8, another exemplary perspective view 800
of the user interface 130 for use in the phototherapeutic system
100 is shown according to another embodiment of the disclosure. As
shown, the user interface 130 includes a plurality of indicators
(e.g., in form of texts) of parameters related to the waveforms of
radiation beams provided by the radiation generator (e.g., the
radiation generator 190). The user interface 130 further includes a
display window 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, close to each of the
indicators. The display windows 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860 are
configured to display values, determined and inputted by the user,
of the parameters identified by the corresponding indicators. The
initial values related to the corresponding indicators may be
provided as shown in FIG. 8 or may be set to any other suitable
values. In an embodiment, the user interface 130 further includes a
button 815, 825, 835, 845, 855, 865 near each of the display
windows 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860. The buttons 815, 825, 835,
845, 855, 865 are configured to receive the user input (e.g., the
user input 135) to adjust the values shown in the neighboring
display windows 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860. In an embodiment,
depressing the buttons 815, 825, 835, 845, 855, 865 clockwise may
increase the value shown in the respective neighboring display
windows 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, as depressing the buttons
815, 825, 835, 845, 855, 865 counterclockwise may decrease the
value shown in the respective neighboring display windows 810, 820,
830, 840, 850, 860, or vice versa.
[0066] The user interface 130 as shown in FIG. 8 further includes a
button 870 used to communicate the user's request to turn on or off
the phototherapeutic system (e.g., the phototherapeutic system
100). Specifically, depressing the button 870 by the user during
the phototherapy may turn off the phototherapeutic system (e.g.,
the phototherapeutic system 100) though depressing the button 870
by the user when the phototherapeutic system (e.g., the
phototherapeutic system 100) is not performing or operating may not
necessarily turn on the phototherapeutic system as discussed above
with respect to FIG. 1.
[0067] In an embodiment, the buttons 815, 825, 835, 845, 855, 865,
870 are manually actuatable elements provided on an exterior
surface 805 of the user interface 130. In addition, one or more of
the display windows 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860 are backlit LCDs
and the buttons 815, 825, 835, 845, 855, 865, 870, the display
windows 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, or both are recessed from the
exterior surface 805 of the user interface 130 to prevent them from
being accidentally or inadvertently actuated or damaged. The shape,
texture, or both of each button 815, 825, 835, 845, 855, 865, 870
can be unique to that button to enable the user to identify a
particular button by its feel. One or more of the buttons 815, 825,
835, 845, 855, 865, 870 or features on the buttons 815, 825, 835,
845, 855, 865, 870 can also be lighted, e.g., backlit, so that they
can be seen in a dark room.
[0068] Alternatively, in an embodiment, the buttons 815, 825, 835,
845, 855, 865, 870 are virtually elements. In addition, both the
buttons 815, 825, 835, 845, 855, 865, 870 and the display windows
810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860 are presented on an LCD screen
provided as the exterior surface 805 of the user interface 130.
Further, the LCD screen is a backlit LCD so that one or more of the
display windows 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860 and the buttons 815,
825, 835, 845, 855, 865, 870 can be lighted and seen in a dark
room.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 9, yet another exemplary perspective view
900 of the user interface 130 for use in the phototherapeutic
system 100 is shown according to yet another embodiment of the
disclosure. The user interface 130 includes a display window 910
with or without an indicator of showing the operating time period.
The display window 910 is configured to display the operating time
period of the phototherapeutic system (e.g., the phototherapeutic
system 100). In an embodiment, the initial value of the operating
time period is 30 minutes by default. In an embodiment, the initial
value of the operating time period may be set to any other suitable
length of time. In an embodiment, the initial value of the
operating time period will be shown after the one or more
parameters (including the operating time period) related to the
radiation beams provided by the radiation generator (e.g., the
radiation generator 190) are determined based on the user input
(e.g., the user input 135), as discussed in greater details below.
The value of the operating time period shown in the display window
910 may decrease as time elapses after starting operating the
phototherapeutic system (e.g., the phototherapeutic system 100).
The value of the operating time period may be adjusted by the user
through the button 915. For example, depressing the button 915
clockwise may increase the value of the operating time period as
depressing the button 915 counterclockwise may decrease the value
of the operating time period shown on the display window 910, or
vice versa.
[0070] As shown, the user interface 130 includes a plurality of
additional indicators (e.g., in form of texts) of parameters
related to the user's personal information, for example, the user's
personal health conditions. The user's personal information may
include, but is not limited to, the user's body temperature, the
user's blood pressure, the user's height, and the user's weight.
The user interface 130 further includes additional display windows
920, 930, 940, 950, close to each of the additional indicators. The
additional display windows 920, 930, 940, 950 are configured to
display values, determined and inputted by the user, of the
parameters identified by the corresponding neighboring indicators.
The default values for the one or more parameters related to the
user's personal information are shown in the additional display
windows 920, 930, 940, 950, for example, as shown in FIG. 9. The
user interface 130 further includes additional buttons 925, 935,
945, 955 near each of the additional display windows 920, 930, 940,
950. The additional buttons 920, 930, 940, 950 are configured to
receive the user input (e.g., the user input 135) to adjust the
values shown in the neighboring display windows 920, 930, 940, 950.
Similar to the button 915, in an embodiment, depressing the buttons
925, 935, 945, 955 clockwise may increase the value shown in the
respective neighboring display windows 920, 930, 940, 950, as
depressing the buttons 925, 935, 945, 955, 955 counterclockwise may
decrease the value shown in the respective neighboring display
windows 920, 930, 940, 950, or vice versa. The user's personal
information, including the one or more values inputted by the user
and shown in the display windows 920, 930, 940, 950 may be
transmitted to the radiation control circuit (e.g., the radiation
control circuit 160 as shown in FIG. 1), which is further
configured to determine the one or more parameters related to the
waveforms of the radiation beams provided by the radiation
generator (e.g., the radiation generator 190) based on the user
input related to the user's personal information. In an embodiment,
the value of the operating time period, after determined by the
radiation control circuit (e.g., the radiation control circuit) is
shown in the display window 910, which may be or may not be further
adjusted by the user through the button 915. In an embodiment, the
user interface 130 may further include a terminal port 960 to be
used to connect to an external computing device or an external
memory (not shown) through a connection cable so that the one or
more values related to the user's personal information may be
communicated to the user interface 130 from the external computing
device or the external memory without a need for the user's manual
input with respect to the display windows 910, 920, 930, 940, 950
and the buttons 915, 925, 935, 945, 955 in the user interface
130.
[0071] The user interface 130 as shown in FIG. 9 further includes a
button 970 used to communicate the user's request to turn on or off
the phototherapeutic system (e.g., the phototherapeutic system
100). Specifically, depressing the button 970 by the user during
the phototherapy may turn off the phototherapeutic system (e.g.,
the phototherapeutic system 100) though depressing the button 970
by the user when the phototherapeutic system (e.g., the
phototherapeutic system 100) is not performing or operating may not
necessarily turn on the phototherapeutic system as discussed above
with respect to FIG. 1.
[0072] In an embodiment, the buttons 915, 925, 935, 945, 955, 970
are manually actuatable elements provided on an exterior surface
905 of the user interface 130. In addition, one or more of the
display windows 910, 920, 930, 940, 950 are backlit LCDs and the
buttons 915, 925, 935, 945, 955, 970, the display windows 910, 920,
930, 940, 950, or both are recessed from the exterior surface 905
of the user interface 130 to prevent them from being accidentally
or inadvertently actuated or damaged. The shape, texture, or both
of each button 915, 925, 935, 945, 955, 970 can be unique to that
button to enable the user to identify a particular button by its
feel. One or more of the buttons 915, 925, 935, 945, 955, 970 or
features on the buttons 915, 925, 935, 945, 955, 970 can also be
lighted, e.g., backlit, so that they can be seen in a dark
room.
[0073] Alternatively, in an embodiment, the buttons 915, 925, 935,
945, 955, 970 are virtually elements. In addition, both the buttons
915, 925, 935, 945, 955, 970 and the display windows 910, 920, 930,
940, 950 are presented on an LCD screen provided as the exterior
surface 905 of the user interface 130. Further, the LCD screen is a
backlit LCD so that one or more of the display windows 910, 920,
930, 940, 950 and the buttons 915, 925, 935, 945, 955, 970 can be
lighted and seen in a dark room.
[0074] FIGS. 10-13 are example waveforms of radiation beams
provided by at least one of the radiation sources in the radiation
generator 190 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In
FIGS. 10-13, the horizontal axis represents time, as the vertical
axis represents power. The example waveforms shown in FIGS. 10-13
may be provided corresponding to the one or more parameters of the
waveforms of the radiation beams provided by the radiation
generator, e.g., the radiation generator 190, including the
operating time period, the crest power, the average power, the
trough power, and the wave frequency, and the wave shape. The one
or more parameters of the waveforms may be directly or indirectly
obtained from the user input 135 through the user interface 130 as
described in FIGS. 7-8. Alternatively or in addition, the one or
more parameters of the waveforms may be determined based on the one
or more parameters related to the user's personal information as
described in FIG. 9.
[0075] In an embodiment, each unit period of the waveforms may
include a single wave shape. For example, the single wave shape may
be a single rectangle as shown in FIG. 10 or a single triangle as
shown in FIG. 11. In some other examples, the single wave shape may
be a single sinusoidal shape, a single square, a single
semi-circle, or any other suitable shape.
[0076] In an embodiment, each unit period of the waveforms may
include two or more repetitive wave shapes. For example, the two or
more repetitive wave shapes may be two or more repetitive
rectangles as shown in FIG. 12. In some other examples, the two or
more repetitive wave shapes may be two or more repetitive
triangles, two or more repetitive sinusoidal shapes, two or more
repetitive squares, two or more repetitive semi-circles, or any
other suitable shapes.
[0077] In an embodiment, each unit period of the waveforms may
include a combination of different wave shapes. For example, the
combination of different wave shapes is a combination of a
rectangle and a triangle as shown in FIG. 13. In some other
examples, the combination of different wave shapes may be any other
combination of a rectangle, a triangle, a sinusoidal shape, a
square, a semi-circle, and/or any other suitable shapes.
[0078] In an embodiment, the phototherapeutic system may not be a
stand-alone system as shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 14, a
schematic diagram of another phototherapeutic system 1400 having a
therapeutic device 1410 and a remote control 1420 is shown
according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The therapeutic
device 1410 and the remote control 1420 are in communication with
each other. In an embodiment, the therapeutic device 1410 and the
remote control 1420 are in wireless communication with each other,
for example, through WIFI, BLUETOOTH, or any other suitable
protocols. In an embodiment, the therapeutic device 1410 and the
remote control 1420 are in wired communication with each other, for
example, through a connection cable, an optical fiber, a copper
wire, or any other suitable means. FIGS. 15-20 shows various
examples of the therapeutic devices 1410 and the remote controls
1420 depending on where the switch control circuit (e.g., the
switch control circuit 150) and/or the radiation control circuit
(e.g., the radiation control circuit 160) are located in the
phototherapeutic system 1400.
[0079] In an embodiment, the switch control circuit is included in
the therapeutic device as the radiation control circuit is included
in the remote control. Examples of the therapeutic device and the
remote control are illustrated in FIGS. 15-16, respectively.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 15, a schematic diagram of a therapeutic
device 1500 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
In an embodiment, the therapeutic device 1500 is the therapeutic
device 1410 in FIG. 14. The therapeutic device 1500 is in
communication with a remote control 1600 in FIG. 16. As shown, the
therapeutic device 1500 includes a housing 1505 and a mouth shield
1520 mounted on the housing 1505. Similar to the housing 105 in
FIG. 1, the housing 1505 may be made from any suitable material,
such as cleanable ABS/polycarbonate plastic.
[0081] The therapeutic device 1500 further includes a plurality of
components disposed inside or on an exterior surface of the housing
1505. The plurality of components may be arranged as shown or in
any other suitable manner. The plurality of components may include
a pressure sensor 1510 coupled to the mouth shield 1520, a first
power supply 1515 coupled to the pressure sensor 1510, a radiation
generator 1530 coupled to the first power supply 1515 and in
communication with the remote control 1600, a switch control
circuit 1550 in communication with the remote control 1600 and
coupled to the pressure sensor 1510, and the first power supply
1515, a speaker 1565 coupled to the switch control circuit 1550, a
display 1570 coupled to the switch control circuit 1550, a
flash-light emitter 1580 coupled to the switch control circuit
1550, and a photo-sensor 1585 coupled to the switch control circuit
1550. The therapeutic device 1500 further includes a memory (not
shown) configured to store a plurality of thresholds including an
intensity threshold 1542 and a pressure threshold 1545, which are
accessible by the switch control circuit 1550. The mouth shield
1520, the pressure sensor 1510, the first power supply 1515, the
radiation generator 1530, the intensity threshold 1542, the
pressure threshold 1545, the switch control circuit 1550, the
speaker 1565, the display 1570, the flash-light emitter 1580, and
the photo-sensor 1585 may be substantially similar to the mouth
shield 120, the pressure sensor 110, the power supply 115, the
radiation generator 190, the intensity threshold 140, the pressure
threshold 145, the switch control circuit 150, the speaker 165, the
display 170, the flash-light emitter 180, and the photo-sensor
185.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 16, a schematic diagram of the remote
control 1600 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
In an embodiment, the remote control 1600 is the remote control
1420 in FIG. 14. As shown, the remote control 1600 may include a
housing 1605. The housing 1605 of the remote control 1600 may be
made from any suitable material, such as cleanable
ABS/polycarbonate plastic. The remote control 1600 may further
include a plurality of components disposed inside or on an exterior
surface of the remote control 1600. The plurality of components
includes a user interface 1610 configured to receive a user input
1605, a radiation control circuit 1620 coupled to the user
interface 1610, and a second power supply 1630 coupled to the user
interface 1610 and the radiation control circuit 1620. The user
interface 1610 and the radiation control circuit 1620 are both in
communication with the therapeutic device 1500. The user interface
1610, the radiation control circuit 1620, the second power supply
1630, and the user input 1605 may be substantially similar to, the
user interface 130, the radiation control circuit 160, the power
supply 115, and the user input 135.
[0083] In an embodiment, both the switch control circuit and the
radiation control circuit are included in the remote control.
Examples of the therapeutic device and the remote control are
illustrated in FIGS. 17-18, respectively.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 17, a schematic diagram of a therapeutic
device 1700 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
In an embodiment, the therapeutic device 1700 is the therapeutic
device 1410 in FIG. 14. The therapeutic device 1700 is in
communication with a remote control 1800 in FIG. 18. As shown, the
therapeutic device 1700 includes a housing 1705 and a mouth shield
1720 mounted on the housing 1705. Similar to the housing 105 in
FIG. 1, the housing 1705 may be made from any suitable material,
such as cleanable ABS/polycarbonate plastic.
[0085] The therapeutic device 1700 further includes a plurality of
components disposed inside or on an exterior surface of the housing
1705. The plurality of components may be arranged as shown or in
any other suitable manner. The plurality of components may include
a transceiver 1750 coupled to each of the plurality of other
components in the therapeutic device 1700. The transceiver 1750 may
be configured to transmit signals or information from one or more
of the plurality of components in the therapeutic device 1700 to
the remote control 1800. For example, the transceiver 1750 may be
configured to transmit one or more values provided by the one or
more sensors to the remote control 1800. The one or more sensors
may include, but are not limited to, a photo-sensor 1785, a
pressure sensor 1710, a distance sensor (not shown), a temperature
sensor (not shown), or any combination thereof. In addition, the
transceiver 1750 may be configured to transmit signals or
information from the remote control 1800 to one or more of the
plurality of components, for example, a radiation generator 1730
and one or more output components in the therapeutic device 1700.
The one or more output components may include, but are not limited
to, a speaker 1765, a flash-light emitter 1780, and a display
1770.
[0086] As shown, the plurality of components may further include
the pressure sensor 1710 coupled to the mouth shield 1720 and the
transceiver 1750, a first power supply 1715 coupled to the
transceiver 1750, the radiation generator 1730 coupled to the
transceiver 1750 and in communication with the remote control 1800,
the speaker 1765 coupled to the transceiver 1750, the display 1770
coupled to the transceiver 1750, the flash-light emitter 1780
coupled to the transceiver 1750, and the photo-sensor 1785 coupled
to the transceiver 1750. The mouth shield 1720, the pressure sensor
1710, the first power supply 1715, the radiation generator 1730,
the speaker 1765, the display 1770, the flash-light emitter 1780,
and the photo-sensor 1785 may be substantially similar to the mouth
shield 120, the pressure sensor 110, the power supply 115, the
radiation generator 190, the speaker 165, the display 170, the
flash-light emitter 180, and the photo-sensor 185.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 18, a schematic diagram of the remote
control 1800 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
In an embodiment, the remote control 1800 is the remote control
1420 in FIG. 14. As shown, the remote control 1800 may include a
housing 1805. The housing 1805 of the remote control 1800 may be
made from any suitable material, such as cleanable
ABS/polycarbonate plastic. The remote control 1800 may further
include a plurality of components disposed inside or on an exterior
surface of the remote control 1800. The plurality of components
includes a user interface 1810 configured to receive a user input
1805, a radiation control circuit 1820 coupled to the user
interface 1810, a switch control circuit 1850 coupled to the user
interface 1810 and the radiation control circuit 1820, and a second
power supply 1830 coupled to the user interface 1810. The user
interface 1810, the radiation control circuit 1820, and the switch
control circuit 1850 are all in communication with the therapeutic
device 1700. The remote control 1800 further includes a memory (not
shown) configured to store a plurality of thresholds including an
intensity threshold 1842 and a pressure threshold 1845, which are
accessible by the switch control circuit 1850. The user interface
1810, the radiation control circuit 1820, the switch control
circuit 1850, the second power supply 1830, the intensity threshold
1842, the pressure threshold 1845, and the user input 1805 may be
substantially similar to the user interface 130, the radiation
control circuit 160, the switch control circuit 150, the power
supply 115, the intensity threshold 140, the pressure threshold
145, and the user input 135 in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the switch
control circuit 1850 and the radiation control circuit 1820 are
separate components in the remote control 1800 as shown in FIG. 18.
In an embodiment, the switch control circuit 1850 and the radiation
control circuit 1820 may be combined into, or implemented on, a
single control circuit.
[0088] In an embodiment, the switch control circuit is included in
the remote control as the radiation control circuit is included in
the therapeutic device. Examples of the therapeutic device and the
remote control are illustrated in FIGS. 19-20, respectively.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 19, a schematic diagram of a therapeutic
device 1900 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
In an embodiment, the therapeutic device 1900 is the therapeutic
device 1410 in FIG. 14. The therapeutic device 1900 is in
communication with a remote control 2000 in FIG. 20. As shown, the
therapeutic device 1900 includes a housing 1905 and a mouth shield
1920 mounted on the housing 1905. Similar to the housing 105 in
FIG. 1, the housing 1905 may be made from any suitable material,
such as cleanable ABS/polycarbonate plastic.
[0090] The therapeutic device 1900 further includes a plurality of
components disposed inside or on an exterior surface of the housing
1905. The plurality of components may be arranged as shown or in
any other suitable manner. The plurality of components may include
a transceiver 1950 coupled to each of the plurality of other
components in the therapeutic device 1900. The transceiver 1950 may
be substantially similar to the transceiver 1750 in FIG. 17. The
transceiver 1950 may be configured to transmit signals or
information from one or more of the plurality of components in the
therapeutic device 1900 to the remote control 2000. For example,
the transceiver 1950 may be configured to transmit one or more
values provided by the one or more sensors to the remote control
2000. The one or more sensors may include, but are not limited to,
a photo-sensor 1985, a pressure sensor 1910, a distance sensor (not
shown), a temperature sensor (not shown), or any combination
thereof. In addition, the transceiver 1950 may be configured to
transmit signals or information from the remote control 2000 to one
or more of the plurality of components, for example, a radiation
control circuit 1935 and one or more output components in the
therapeutic device 1900. The one or more output components may
include, but are not limited to, a speaker 1965, a flash-light
emitter 1980, and a display 1970.
[0091] The plurality of components may further include the pressure
sensor 1910 coupled to the mouth shield 1920 and the transceiver
1950, a first power supply 1915 coupled to the transceiver 1950, a
radiation generator 1930 coupled to the transceiver 1950 and in
communication with the remote control 2000, the speaker 1965
coupled to the transceiver 1950, the display 1970 coupled to the
transceiver 1950, the flash-light emitter 1980 coupled to the
transceiver 1950, the photo-sensor 1985 coupled to the transceiver
1950, and the radiation control circuit 1935 coupled to the
radiation generator 1930. The radiation control circuit 1935 and
the transceiver 1950 are both in communication with the remote
control 2000. The mouth shield 1920, the pressure sensor 1910, the
first power supply 1915, the radiation generator 1930, the speaker
1965, the display 1970, the flash-light emitter 1980, the
photo-sensor 1985, and the radiation control circuit 1935 may be
substantially similar to the mouth shield 120, the pressure sensor
110, the power supply 115, the radiation generator 190, the speaker
165, the display 170, the flash-light emitter 180, the photo-sensor
185, and the radiation control circuit 160 in FIG. 1.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 20, a schematic diagram of the remote
control 2000 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
In an embodiment, the remote control 2000 is the remote control
1420 in FIG. 14. As shown, the remote control 2000 may include a
housing 2005. The housing 2005 of the remote control 2000 may be
made from any suitable material, such as cleanable
ABS/polycarbonate plastic. The remote control 2000 may further
include a plurality of components disposed inside or on an exterior
surface of the remote control 2000. The plurality of components
includes a user interface 2010 configured to receive a user input
2005, a switch control circuit 2050 coupled to the user interface
2010, and a second power supply 2030 coupled to the user interface
2010. The user interface 2010, the switch control circuit 2050 are
both in communication with the therapeutic device 1900. The remote
control 2000 further includes a memory (not shown) configured to
store a plurality of thresholds including an intensity threshold
2042 and a pressure threshold 2045, which are accessible by the
switch control circuit 2050. The user interface 2010, the switch
control circuit 2050, the second power supply 2030, the intensity
threshold 2042, the pressure threshold 2045, and the user input
2005 may be substantially similar to the user interface 130, the
switch control circuit 150, the power supply 115, the intensity
threshold 140, the pressure threshold 145, and the user input 135
in FIG. 1.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 21, a computer system 2100 is shown. The
computer system 2100 may be similar to the switch control circuits
150, 1550, 1850, 2050 and/or the radiation control circuit 160,
1620, 1820, 1935. The computer system 2100 includes a bus 2102 or
other communication mechanism to communicate information, and a
processor 2104 (or multiple processors 2104 and 2105) coupled with
the bus 2102 to process information. In an embodiment, the computer
system 2100 includes a main memory 2106, such as a random-access
memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus
2102 to store information and instructions to be executed by the
processor 2104. The main memory 2106 may be used to store temporary
variables or other intermediate information during execution of
instructions to be executed by the processor 2104. In an
embodiment, the computer system 2100 includes a read only memory
(ROM) 2108 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 2102
to store essentially static information and instructions for the
processor 2104. In an embodiment, a storage device 2110, such as a
solid-state drive, magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and
coupled to the bus 2102 to store information and instructions.
[0094] The computer system 2100 may be coupled via the bus 2102 to
a display 2112, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or flat panel or
touch panel display, to display information to a computer user. In
an embodiment, an input device 2114, including or providing
alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the bus 2102 to
communicate information and command selections to the processor
2104. Another type of user input device is a cursor controller
2116, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, to
communicate direction information and command selections to the
processor 2104 and to control cursor movement on the display 2112.
A touch panel (screen) display may also be used as an input
device.
[0095] The computer system 2100 may be suitable to implement
methods as described herein in response to the processor 2104
executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions
contained in, e.g., the main memory 2106. Such instructions may be
read into the main memory 2106 from another computer-readable
medium, such as the storage device 2110. In an embodiment,
execution of sequences of instructions contained in the main memory
2106 causes the processor 2104 to perform process steps described
herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement
may be employed to execute the sequences of instructions contained
in the main memory 2106. In an embodiment, a hard-wired circuitry
may be used in place of or in combination with software
instructions. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific
combination of hardware circuitry and software.
[0096] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to
any medium that participates in providing instructions to the
processor 2104 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms,
including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media,
and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example,
solid state, optical or magnetic disks, such as the storage device
2110. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as the main
memory 2106. Non-volatile and volatile media are considered
non-transitory. Non-transitory transmission media include coaxial
cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that
comprise the bus 2102. Transmission media can also take the form of
acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during RF and
infrared data communications. Common forms of computer-readable
media include, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic
tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical
medium, punch cards, paper tapes, any other physical medium with
patterns of holes, an RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a
solid-state disk or any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier
wave as described herein, or any other medium from which a computer
can read.
[0097] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the
processor 2104 for execution. For example, the instructions may
initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The
remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory
and send the instructions over communications medium (e.g., by line
or wireless). The computer system 2100 can receive the transmitted
data and place the data on the bus 2102. The bus 2102 carries the
data to the main memory 2106, from which the processor 2104
retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received
by the main memory 2106 may optionally be stored on the storage
device 2110 either before or after execution by the processor
2104.
[0098] The computer system 2100 may also include a communication
interface 2118 coupled to the bus 2102. The communication interface
2118 provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network
link 2120 that is connected to a local network 2122. For example,
the communication interface 2118 may be an integrated service
digital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data
communication connection to a corresponding type of line. As
another example, the communication interface 2118 may be a local
area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection
to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any
such implementation, the communication interface 2118 sends and
receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry
digital data streams representing various types of information.
[0099] The network link 2120 typically provides data communication
through one or more networks to other data devices. For example,
the network link 2120 may provide a connection through the local
network 2122 to a host computer 2124 or to data equipment operated
by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 2126. The ISP 2126 in turn
provides data communication services through the worldwide packet
data communication network, commonly referred to as the internet
2128. The local network 2122 and the internet 2128 both use
electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital
data streams. The signals through the various networks and the
signals on the network link 2120 and through the communication
interface 2118, which carry the digital data to and from the
computer system 2100, are example forms of carrier waves
transporting the information.
[0100] The computer system 2100 can send messages and receive data,
including program code, through the network(s), the network link
2120, and the communication interface 2118. In the internet
example, a server 2130 might transmit a requested code for an
application program through the internet 2128, the ISP 2126, the
local network 2122 and the communication interface 2118. In
accordance with one or more embodiments, one such downloaded
application implements a method as described herein. The received
code may be executed by the processor 2104 as it is received,
and/or stored in the storage device 2110, or other non-volatile
storage for later execution. In this manner, the computer system
2100 may obtain application code.
[0101] An embodiment may take the form of a computer program
containing one or more sequences of machine-readable instructions
describing a method as disclosed herein, or a data storage medium
(e.g. semiconductor memory, magnetic or optical disk) having such a
computer program stored therein. Further, the machine-readable
instructions may be embodied in two or more computer programs. The
two or more computer programs may be stored on one or more
different memories and/or data storage media.
[0102] Any controllers described herein may each or in combination
be operable when the one or more computer programs are read by one
or more computer processors located within at least one component
of the phototherapeutic system, the therapeutic device, and/or the
remote control. The controllers may each or in combination have any
suitable configuration for receiving, processing, and sending
signals. One or more processors are configured to communicate with
the at least one of the controllers. For example, each controller
may include one or more processors for executing the computer
programs that include machine-readable instructions for the methods
described above. The controllers may include data storage medium
for storing such computer programs, and/or hardware to receive such
medium. So, the controller(s) may operate according the
machine-readable instructions of one or more computer programs.
[0103] Referring to FIG. 22, an embodiment of a therapeutic device
2200 is schematically depicted. The therapeutic device 2200 may be
substantially similar to the therapeutic devices 1410, 1500, 1700,
1900. As shown, the therapeutic device 2200 may be divided into
four portions: a first portion 2202, a second portion 2204 coupled
to the first portion 2202, a third portion 2206 coupled to the
second portion 2204, and a fourth portion 2208 coupled to the third
portion 2206.
[0104] The first portion 2202 of the therapeutic device 2200 may
receive a pressure directly or indirectly from the user's mouth
during the phototherapy. The pressure keeps the fourth portion 2208
of the therapeutic device 2200 inside the user's mouth and prevents
the fourth portion 2208 of the therapeutic system 2200 from moving
during the phototherapy. In an embodiment, the first portion 2202
of the therapeutic device 2200 includes a track 2225 attached on
the therapeutic device 2200. As shown, the track 2225 has a
saw-tooth shape. In some examples, the user's mouth may apply the
pressure on the first portion 2202 of the therapeutic device 2200
by biting between adjacent teeth of the track 2225. In some
examples, the mouth shield 2210 may be mounted on the first portion
2202 of the therapeutic device 2200 through the track 2225. In
addition, the mouth shield 2210 may slide along through the track
2225. For example, the mouth shield 2210 may slide from one
position (denoted by solid lines) to another position (denoted by
dotted lines) along the track 2225 as shown in FIG. 22. As such,
the user's mouth may apply the pressure on the first portion 2202
of the therapeutic device 2200 by biting the mouth shield 2210,
which may assist keeping the user's mouth wide open while holding
the position of the phototherapeutic device 2200 during the
phototherapy, thus preventing the phototherapeutic device 2200 from
slipping into, or being swallowed by the user into the user's
digestive canal. Alternatively as described with respect to FIG. 1,
the track 2225 may have any other suitable configurations. For
example, the track 2225 may include a plurality of columns arranged
in a two-dimensional array or any other suitable patterns. In this
example, the user's mouth may apply the pressure on the first
portion 2202 of the therapeutic device 2200 by biting between
adjacent columns of the track 2225. In an embodiment, the first
portion 2202 of the therapeutic device 2200 has a length 2215
between 2 cm and 4 cm, a thickness 2235 between 0.8 cm and 1 cm,
and a width (not shown) between 1.5 cm and 2 cm. In an embodiment,
a terminal 2205 may be provided and coupled to a cable 2220 at an
end of the first portion 2202 of the therapeutic device 2200 as
shown in FIG. 22. In an embodiment, the cable 2220 may be a portion
of a battery recharger. Accordingly, the terminal 2205 may be used
for connecting the battery recharger to the batteries (e.g., the
first power supply 1515, 1715, 1915 included in the therapeutic
device 1500, 1700, 1900) in the therapeutic device 2200.
Alternatively or in addition, the cable 2220 may be a connection
cable. Accordingly, the terminal 2205 may be used for connecting
the therapeutic device 2200 with a respective remote control (not
shown) through the cable 2220.
[0105] The second portion 2204 of the therapeutic device 2200 may
have a length 2255 between 2 cm and 3 cm, the thickness 2235
between 0.8 cm and 1 cm, and a width (not shown) between 1.5 cm and
2 cm. In an embodiment, the second portion 2204 may have a
rectangular cross-section. The third portion 2206 of the
therapeutic device 2200 may have a length 2230 between 0.8 cm and 1
cm. The cross-section of the third portion 2206 may have a shape
transitioned from a rectangle to an ellipse.
[0106] The fourth portion 2208 of the therapeutic device 2200 has a
length 2242 between 0.8 cm and 2.5 cm. The cross-section of the
fourth portion 2208 is an ellipse having a major axis 2270 with a
length between 3 cm and 4 cm, and a minor axis 2275 with a length
between 1 cm and 2 cm. The fourth portion 2208 of the therapeutic
device 2200 includes a radiation generator. As shown, the radiation
generator includes three radiation sources, e.g., a first radiation
source 2240, a second radiation source 2250, and a third radiation
source 2260. The first radiation source 2240 provides a first
radiation beam 2245 corresponding to a first projection 2248 of
illumination at a distance 2280 between 3 cm and 3.5 cm from the
first radiation source 2240. The second radiation source 2250
provides a second radiation beam 2255 corresponding to a second
projection 2258 of illumination at the distance 2280 from the
second radiation source 2250. The third radiation source 2260
provides a third radiation beam 2265 corresponding to a third
projection 2268 of illuminations at the distance 2280 from the
third radiation source 2260. In an embodiment, the first radiation
beam 2245, the second radiation beam 2255, and the third radiation
beam 2265 may be provided at the same time. In an embodiment, the
first radiation beam 2245, the second radiation beam 2255, and the
third radiation beam 2265 may be provided at different times. As
shown, the first projection 2248 of illuminations is partially
overlapped with the second projection 2258 of illuminations, as the
second projection 2258 of illuminations is partially overlapped
with the third projection 2268 of illumination. It should be noted
that FIG. 22 is only for illustrating purpose, and the number of
the radiation sources included in the radiation generator of the
therapeutic device 2200 may not be limiting. Further, as shown in
FIG. 22, the three radiation sources 2240, 2250, 2260 are arranged
in a column. However, in some other examples, the radiation sources
in the radiation generator may be arranged in a row, in a
two-dimensional array, in a three-dimensional array, or in any
other suitable manners.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 23, an embodiment of another therapeutic
device 2300 is schematically depicted. As shown, the therapeutic
device 2300 includes a radiation generator 2310, a track 2330
attached on an exterior surface of the therapeutic device 2300, and
a mouth shield 2320 mounted on the track 2330. In an embodiment,
the track 2330 has a saw-tooth shape. In an embodiment, the mouth
shield 2320 can slide along a portion of the therapeutic device
2300 through the track 2330. In an embodiment, the track 2330 may
have any other suitable configurations. For example, the track 2330
may include a plurality of columns arranged in a two-dimensional
array or any other suitable patterns. Further as shown in FIG. 23,
the mouth shield 2320 has a fin shape. In addition, the therapeutic
device 2300 includes a terminal 2340 at an end of the therapeutic
device 2300. In an embodiment, the terminal 2340 may be used for
connecting a battery recharger to batteries (e.g., the first power
supply 1515, 1715, 1915 included in the therapeutic device 1500,
1700, 1900) in the therapeutic device 2300. Alternatively or in
addition, the terminal 2340 may be used for connecting the
therapeutic device 2230 with a respective remote control (not
shown) through a connection cable (not shown).
[0108] Referring to FIG. 24, a schematic diagram of a
phototherapeutic system 2400 is shown according to an embodiment of
the disclosure. As shown, the phototherapeutic system 2400 includes
a therapeutic device 2410. The therapeutic device 2410 may be
substantially similar to the therapeutic devices 1410, 1500, 1700,
1900. As shown, the therapeutic device 2410 includes a radiation
generator 2440. The therapeutic device 2410 further includes a
mouth shield 2420 mounted on an exterior surface of the therapeutic
device 2410. In addition, the phototherapeutic system 2400 further
includes a protection sleeve 2430 configured to cover the
therapeutic device 2410 including the mouth shield 2420 and the
radiation generator 2440. Further, the protection sleeve 2430 may
be made from any suitable materials that allows the plurality of
radiation beams provided by the radiation generator 2440 to pass
through the protection sleeve 2430. This is done so as to prevent
the user of the phototherapeutic system 2400 from contaminating the
mouth shield 2420, the radiation generator 2440, and/or any other
part of the phototherapeutic system 2400 while ensuring the normal
operating of the phototherapeutic system when in use.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 25, a flowchart 2500 of an exemplary
process for performing phototherapy inside a user's mouth using a
phototherapeutic system (e.g., the phototherapeutic systems 100,
1400) is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. At
step 2510, a phototherapeutic system is provided. The
phototherapeutic system includes a housing, a plurality of
radiation sources disposed in the housing, one or more sensors
disposed in the housing, a user interface disposed on an exterior
surface of the housing, a switch control circuit disposed in the
housing, and one or more output components disposed in the housing.
In an embodiment, the plurality of radiation sources is configured
to provide to the user's mouth a plurality of beams. In an
embodiment, at least two beams of the plurality of beams have
different wavelengths. In an embodiment, a portion of the housing
is configured to receive a pressure resulting from the user's mouth
so as to prevent the housing from moving during the phototherapy.
In an embodiment, the one or more sensors are configured to provide
one or more values related to surrounding of the one or more
sensors. In an embodiment, the user interface is configured to
receive an input from the user for controlling operation of the
phototherapeutic system.
[0110] At step 2520, an operating state of the phototherapeutic
system is controlled, by the switch control circuit, based on the
input received by the user interface and the one or more values
provided by the one or more sensors. In an embodiment, the
operating state of the phototherapeutic system is changed, by the
switch control circuit, from a stop state to an active state when
the input received by the user interface is indicative of the
user's request to turn on the phototherapeutic system or start the
phototherapy and the one or more values provided by the one or more
sensors meet or cross the one or more respective thresholds. In an
embodiment, the operating state of the phototherapeutic system is
changed, by the switch control circuit, from the active state to
the stop state when the one or more values provided by the one or
more sensors do not all meet or cross the one or more respective
thresholds during or after the phototherapy.
[0111] At step 2530, information related to the operating state of
the phototherapeutic system is delivered by the one or more output
components to the user. For example, when the operating state of
the phototherapeutic system is changed from the stop state to the
active state at step 2520, the information related to the state
change is delivered by the one or more output components to the
user. The one or more output components may include, but are not
limited to, a display, a speaker, a flash-light emitter, or any
combination thereof. For another example, upon receipt of the input
from the user indicative of the user's request to turn on the
phototherapeutic system or start the phototherapy, the operating
state of the phototherapeutic system may still not be changed from
the stop state to the active state when the one or more values
provided by the one or more sensors do not all meet or cross the
one or more respective thresholds. Accordingly, the information
indicative of denying the user's request may be delivered to the
user through the one or more output components.
[0112] Referring to FIG. 26, a flowchart 2600 of another exemplary
process for performing phototherapy inside a user's mouth using a
phototherapeutic system (e.g., the phototherapeutic systems 100,
1400) is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. At
step 2610, a request to turn on the phototherapeutic system or
start operating the phototherapeutic system is received from the
user by a user interface. At step 2620, one or more values related
to surroundings of one or more sensors of the phototherapeutic
system are provided. The one or more sensors may include, but are
not limited to, a photo-sensor, a temperature sensor, a distance
sensor, and/or a pressure sensor. At step 2630, it is determined
whether the values related to the surroundings of the one or more
sensors satisfy a predetermined rule. In an embodiment, the
predetermined rule is indicative that all the values related to the
surroundings of the one or more sensors meet or cross respective
thresholds. When it is determined at step 2630 that each of the one
or more values related to the surroundings of the one or more
sensors meets or crosses its respective threshold, the process
proceeds to step 2640. At step 2640, a plurality of radiation beams
is provided by a radiation generator of the phototherapeutic system
inside the user's mouth. In an embodiment, at least two of the
plurality of radiation beams have different wavelengths. In an
embodiment, the radiation generator includes a plurality of
radiation sources. The plurality of radiation sources may include,
but is not limited to, LEDs, LDs, VECSELs, VCSELs, or any
combination thereof. At step 2650, the plurality of radiation beams
is modulated, by the radiation control circuit of the
phototherapeutic system, according to one or more parameters
selected from a group consisting of operating time period, average
power, crest power, trough power, wave frequency, and/or wave
shape. After step 2650 is complete, the process comes to an end.
Further, when it is determined at step 2630 that at least one of
the one or more values related to the surroundings of the one or
more sensors does not meet or cross its respective threshold, the
process proceeds to step 2660. At step 2660, information indicative
of denying the user's request to operate the phototherapeutic
system is delivered, by one or more output components, to the user
responsive to the user's request to operate the phototherapeutic
system. In an embodiment, the one or more output components may
include, by are not limited to, a display, a speaker, a flash-light
emitter, or any combination thereof. After step 2660 is complete,
the process comes to the end.
[0113] In an embodiment, there is provided a phototherapeutic
system for providing phototherapy inside a user's mouth,
comprising: a housing; and a plurality of radiation sources
disposed in the housing, wherein the plurality of radiation sources
is configured to provide to the user's mouth a plurality of beams,
wherein at least two beams of the plurality of beams have different
wavelengths, and wherein a portion of the housing is configured to
receive a pressure resulting from the user's mouth so as to prevent
the housing from moving during the phototherapy.
[0114] In an embodiment, the portion of the housing is configured
to provide a track for a mouth shield to be mounted on the housing
and slide along the housing so as to adjust relative positions of
the plurality of radiation sources with respect to the user's
mouth, and wherein the mouth shield is configured to be bitten by
the user so as to keep the user's mouth wide open during the
phototherapy.
[0115] In an embodiment, the phototherapeutic system further
comprises: one or more sensors disposed in the housing, wherein the
one or more sensors are configured to provide one or more values
related to surrounding of the one or more sensors, and wherein the
one or more sensors comprise a photo sensor configured to provide a
total intensity related to radiations from surrounding of the
phototherapeutic system; a user interface disposed on an exterior
surface of the housing, wherein the user interface is configured to
receive an input for controlling operation of the phototherapeutic
system; a switch control circuit disposed in the housing, wherein
the switch control circuit is configured to control an operating
state of the phototherapeutic system based on the input received by
the user interface and the one or more values provided by the one
or more sensors; and one or more output components disposed in the
housing, the one or more output components being configured to
deliver to the user information related to the operating state of
the plurality of radiation sources.
[0116] In an embodiment, the switch control circuit is further
configured to: change the operating state of the phototherapeutic
system from a stop state to an active state responsive to a user's
request to operate the phototherapeutic system and the one or more
values provided by the one or more sensors meeting or crossing one
or more respective thresholds, wherein, in the active state, the
plurality of beams is provided by the plurality of radiation
sources, and wherein, in the stop state, the plurality of beams is
not provided by the plurality of radiation sources; control the one
or more output components to deliver to the user the information
indicative of denying the user's request to operate the
phototherapeutic system responsive to the user's request to operate
the phototherapeutic system when not all of the one or more values
provided by the one or more sensors meet or cross the one or more
respective thresholds; and change the operating state of the
phototherapeutic system, during operating of the phototherapeutic
system, from the active state to the stop state when not all of the
one or more values provided by the one or more sensors meet or
cross the one or more respective thresholds.
[0117] In an embodiment, the first radiation source is configured
to provide the first beam to the user's mouth, and the second
radiation source is configured to provide the second beam to the
user's mouth, a first portion of the first beam being not
overlapped with a second portion of the second beam, and a second
portion of the first beam being overlapped with a first portion of
the second beam, and wherein the first radiation source is further
configured to redirect the first beam until the first portion of
the first beam is overlapped with the second portion of the second
beam, the second portion of the first beam being not overlapped
with the first portion of the second beam.
[0118] In an embodiment, the phototherapeutic system further
comprises a radiation control circuit disposed in the housing and
in communication with the switch control circuit, wherein the
radiation control circuit is configured to modulate at least one of
the plurality of beams with respect to one or more parameters
selected from a group consisting of average power, crest power,
trough power, wave frequency, wave shape, and operating time period
based on the input received by the user interface.
[0119] In an embodiment, the phototherapeutic system further
comprises a protection sleeve configured to cover the mouth shield,
the housing, and the plurality of radiation sources so as to
prevent the user from contaminating the mouth shield, the housing,
and the plurality of radiation sources while allowing the plurality
of beams provided by the plurality of radiation sources for passing
through the protection sleeve.
[0120] In an embodiment, there is provided a method of providing
phototherapy inside a user's mouth, comprising: providing a
phototherapeutic system, comprising: a housing; a plurality of
radiation sources disposed in the housing, wherein the plurality of
radiation sources is configured to provide to the user's mouth a
plurality of beams, wherein at least two beams of the plurality of
beams have different wavelengths, wherein a portion of the housing
is configured to receive a pressure resulting from the user's mouth
so as to prevent the housing from moving during the phototherapy;
one or more sensors disposed in the housing, wherein the one or
more sensors are configured to provide one or more values related
to surrounding of the one or more sensors; a user interface
disposed on an exterior surface of the housing, wherein the user
interface is configured to receive an input for controlling
operation of the phototherapeutic system; a switch control circuit
disposed in the housing; and one or more output components disposed
in the housing; controlling, by the switch control circuit, an
operating state of the phototherapeutic system based on the input
received by the user interface and the one or more values provided
by the one or more sensors; and delivering, by the one or more
output components, to the user information related to the operating
state of the phototherapeutic system.
[0121] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: changing the
operating state of the phototherapeutic system from a stop state to
an active state responsive to a user's request to operate the
phototherapeutic system and the one or more values provided by the
one or more sensors meeting or crossing one or more respective
thresholds, wherein, in the active state, the plurality of beams is
provided by the plurality of radiation sources, and wherein, in the
stop state, the plurality of beams is not provided by the plurality
of radiation sources; controlling the one or more output components
to deliver to the user the information indicative of denying the
user's request to operate the phototherapeutic system responsive to
the user's request to operate the phototherapeutic system when not
all of the one or more values provided by the one or more sensors
meet or cross the one or more respective thresholds; and changing
the operating state of the phototherapeutic system, during
operating of the phototherapeutic system, from the active state to
the stop state when not all of the one or more values provided by
the one or more sensors meet or cross the one or more respective
thresholds.
[0122] In an embodiment, a first beam of the at least two beams
provided by a first radiation source has a wavelength between 500
nanometers (nm) and 700 nm, and a second beam of the at least two
beams provided by a second radiation source has a wavelength
between 700 nm and 900 nm, and wherein the one or more sensors
comprise a photo sensor configured to provide a total intensity
related to radiations from surrounding of the photo sensor.
[0123] In an embodiment, both the first beam and the second beam
have a beam angle between 25 degrees and 30 degrees, wherein the
first beam is overlapped with the second beam in the user's mouth,
wherein a first irradiation spot in the user's mouth resulting from
the first beam has a first diameter between 2 cm and 5 cm, and a
second irradiation spot in the user's mouth resulting from the
second beam has a second diameter between 2 cm and 5 cm, and
wherein an overlapped portion between the first irradiation spot
and the second irradiation spot has a third diameter between 1 cm
and 3.5 cm.
[0124] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: providing,
by the first radiation source and the second radiation source
respectively, the first beam and the second beam to the user's
mouth, a first portion of the first beam being not overlapped with
a second portion of the second beam, and a second portion of the
first beam being overlapped with a first portion of the second
beam; and redirecting, by the first radiation source, the first
beam until the first portion of the first beam is overlapped with
the second portion of the second beam, the second portion of the
first beam being not overlapped with the first portion of the
second beam.
[0125] In an embodiment, the phototherapeutic system further
comprises a radiation control circuit disposed in the housing and
in communication with the switch control circuit, and wherein the
method further comprises modulating, by the radiation control
circuit, at least one of the plurality of beams with respect to one
or more parameters selected from a group consisting of average
power, crest power, trough power, wave frequency, wave shape, and
operating time period based on the input received by the user
interface.
[0126] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of beams has a power
between 5 mW and 20 mW, and wherein the plurality of radiation
sources comprises one or more radiation sources selected from a
group consisting of LEDs, LDs, VECSELs, and VCSELs.
[0127] In an embodiment, there is provided a machine-readable
tangible and non-transitory medium having instructions for
providing phototherapy inside a user's mouth through a
phototherapeutic system, the phototherapeutic system comprising: a
housing; a plurality of radiation sources disposed in the housing,
wherein the plurality of radiation sources is configured to provide
to the user's mouth a plurality of beams, wherein at least two
beams of the plurality of beams have different wavelengths, wherein
a portion of the housing is configured to receive a pressure
resulting from the user's mouth so as to prevent the housing from
moving during the phototherapy; one or more sensors disposed in the
housing, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to provide
one or more values related to surrounding of the one or more
sensors; a user interface disposed on an exterior surface of the
housing, wherein the user interface is configured to receive an
input for controlling operation of the phototherapeutic system; a
switch control circuit disposed in the housing; and one or more
output components disposed in the housing, wherein the
instructions, when read by a hardware processor system, causes the
hardware processor system to: control, through the switch control
circuit, an operating state of the phototherapeutic system based on
the input received by the user interface and the one or more values
provided by the one or more sensors; and deliver, through the one
or more output components, to the user information related to the
operating state of the phototherapeutic system.
[0128] In an embodiment, the machine-readable tangible and
non-transitory medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions, when
read by the hardware processor system, further causes the hardware
processor system to: change the operating state of the
phototherapeutic system from a stop state to an active state
responsive to a user's request to operate the phototherapeutic
system and the one or more values provided by the one or more
sensors meeting or crossing one or more respective thresholds,
wherein, in the active state, the plurality of beams is provided by
the plurality of radiation sources, and wherein, in the stop state,
the plurality of beams is not provided by the plurality of
radiation sources; control the one or more output components to
deliver to the user the information indicative of denying the
user's request to operate the phototherapeutic system responsive to
the user's request to operate the phototherapeutic system when not
all of the one or more values provided by the one or more sensors
meet or cross the one or more respective thresholds; and change the
operating state of the phototherapeutic system, during operating of
the phototherapeutic system, from the active state to the stop
state when not all of the one or more values provided by the one or
more sensors meet or cross the one or more respective
thresholds.
[0129] In an embodiment, a first beam of the at least two beams
provided by a first radiation source has a wavelength between 500
nm and 700 nm, and a second beam of the at least two beams provided
by a second radiation source has a wavelength between 700 nm and
900 nm, and wherein the one or more sensors comprise a photo sensor
configured to provide a total intensity related to radiations from
surrounding of the photo sensor.
[0130] In an embodiment, both the first beam and the second beam
have a beam angle between 25 degrees and 30 degrees, wherein the
first beam is overlapped with the second beam in the user's mouth,
wherein a first irradiation spot in the user's mouth resulting from
the first beam has a first diameter between 2 cm and 5 cm, and a
second irradiation spot in the user's mouth resulting from the
second beam has a second diameter between 2 cm and 5 cm, and
wherein an overlapped portion between the first irradiation spot
and the second irradiation spot has a third diameter between 1 cm
and 3.5 cm.
[0131] In an embodiment, the instructions, when read by the
hardware processor system, further causes the hardware processor
system to: provide, through the first radiation source and the
second radiation source respectively, the first beam and the second
beam to the user's mouth, a first portion of the first beam being
not overlapped with a second portion of the second beam, and a
second portion of the first beam being overlapped with a first
portion of the second beam; and redirect, through the first
radiation source, the first beam until the first portion of the
first beam is overlapped with the second portion of the second
beam, the second portion of the first beam being not overlapped
with the first portion of the second beam.
[0132] In an embodiment, the phototherapeutic system further
comprises a radiation control circuit disposed in the housing and
in communication with the switch control circuit, and wherein the
instructions, when read by the hardware processor system, further
causes the hardware processor system to modulate, through the
radiation control circuit, at least one of the plurality of beams
with respect to one or more parameters selected from a group
consisting of average power, crest power, trough power, wave
frequency, wave shape, and operating time period based on the input
received by the user interface.
[0133] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present
disclosure is amenable to a variety of modifications and/or
enhancements. For example, although the implementation of various
components described above may be embodied in a hardware device, it
can also be implemented as a firmware, firmware/software
combination, firmware/hardware combination, or a
hardware/firmware/software combination.
[0134] While the foregoing description and drawings represent
embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be understood that
various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
principles of the present disclosure as defined in the accompanying
claims. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
disclosure may be used with many modifications of form, structure,
arrangement, proportions, materials, elements, and components and
otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which are
particularly adapted to specific environments and operative
requirements without departing from the principles of the present
disclosure. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the
scope of the present disclosure being indicated by the appended
claims and their legal equivalents, and not limited to the
foregoing description.
* * * * *