JP2008178702A - Phototherapy apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a phototherapy apparatus capable of emitting such light as to accelerate physical or mental healing or curing of a subject. <P>SOLUTION: The phototherapy apparatus comprises: one or more casings; LEDs stored in the casings to emit light to the outside; a voice signal receiving part for receiving a voice signal input from the outside; and a pattern control part for converting the variation of the sound volume, interval or sound quality of voice indicated by the received voice signal, into the visually recognizable variation of light quantity of the LEDs based on a predetermined conversion pattern. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a phototherapy device that imparts a therapeutic effect to a living body by applying light emitted from an LED to the living body.

  Recently, attention has been focused on phototherapy in which treatment is carried out by irradiating the affected area or “pot” with light. According to this light treatment, it is recognized that it has an effect on a wide range of symptoms ranging from pain treatment such as stiff shoulders and low back pain to treatment of atopic dermatitis. As a device used for such phototherapy, a light source using a gas laser or semiconductor laser light, a control device for controlling the light source, an optical fiber for guiding light emitted from the light source, and a tip of the optical fiber are attached. A light irradiation probe is known.

On the other hand, such a device for phototherapy is large and expensive, and safety management is also necessary. There has been developed a phototherapy device that is small in size and is housed in a package and is very compact and can be used easily and safely even in an ordinary home.
JP-A-9-201422

  However, in such a conventional phototherapy device, no consideration is given to the appearance, and light is used only for irradiating the affected area, and thus can be obtained from the visual action of this light. It is not possible to obtain a psychological treatment effect such as “healing”. In addition, the conventional device does not have any idea of enhancing the therapeutic effect in consideration of the quality of light by irradiating light emitted from the light source directly or through a simple light guide such as a lens or a light guide. For this reason, the degree of the effect of conventional phototherapy varies depending on the subject, and there are many cases where the effect is not so effective.

  Therefore, the present invention can be used easily and safely even in ordinary households, and in addition to the physical effect of light, the visual effect (color therapy effect) of light emitted from the light source LED is also combined. The main objective of the present invention is to provide a phototherapy device that can be expected to have a very high therapeutic effect by taking into consideration the quality of light.

  That is, the phototherapy device according to the present invention includes one or a plurality of casings, LEDs accommodated in the casing so as to be able to emit light to the outside, a sound signal receiving unit that receives a sound signal input from the outside, and a received sound. And an LED control unit that converts a change in sound volume, pitch, or sound quality indicated by the signal into a change in the light amount of the LED based on a predetermined conversion pattern.

  Here, “blue to green light” refers to light having a wavelength of about 400 nm to about 560 nm, and includes a wavelength range generally referred to as purple. The effect is particularly remarkable when an LED that emits light having a wavelength of about 450 nm to about 530 nm is used. The term “treatment” includes not only physical purposes such as pain suppression and inflammation sedation but also what is performed for mental purposes such as so-called “healing” and promotion of falling asleep. The “polygonal pyramid” includes a quadrangular pyramid and a pentagonal pyramid, and further includes those considering safety and manufacturability by rounding or cutting the tip.

  Moreover, even if LED emits visible light of yellow thru | or red (wavelength of about 560 nm-about 800 nm), it can be used.

  In order to prevent the tip of the polygonal pyramid from directly hitting the living body and to allow the phototherapy device to be in close contact with the living body and to perform light irradiation satisfactorily, the light transmission covering the light exit port It is desirable to further comprise a cap having an elastic member, and when the cap is brought into close contact with a required part of the living body, the cap is made of an elastic member that undergoes bending deformation. In particular, it is more preferable that an adhesive member such as a silicone sheet is attached to the surface of the cap.

  In order to make it possible to match the rhythm of the subject's body with the rhythm of the emitted light and further enhance the effect, the apparatus further includes a control device that controls the intensity of the light emitted from the LED, and the control device includes music and A voice signal receiving unit that receives a voice signal indicating a voice such as a sutra, and a pattern control that controls a light emission pattern of light emitted from the LED in accordance with at least one of the volume, tone color, and pitch of the voice indicated by the voice signal It is preferable that it is provided with a part.

  As a specific embodiment, the casing may have a cylindrical shape with one end face closed, and the opening on the other end face may be the light exit.

  As a specific aspect in consideration of the visual effect, at least a part of the casing is formed of a transparent wall, and the polygonal pyramid is configured to be visible from the outside through the transparent wall. be able to.

  In particular, the polygonal pyramid is preferably a quadrangular pyramid, a pentagonal pyramid, or a hexagonal pyramid, and a regular polygonal pyramid is particularly preferable. As the material, quartz is suitable.

  On the other hand, when focusing on mental treatment or healing such as healing and relaxation, on the other hand, one or a plurality of casings, LEDs accommodated in the casing so as to be able to emit light to the outside, and audio signals input from the outside are received. An audio signal receiving unit and an LED control unit that converts a change in sound volume, pitch, or sound quality indicated by the received audio signal into a change in the light amount of the LED based on a predetermined conversion pattern may be provided. . It is desirable to be able to visually recognize the change in the amount of light.

  As the conversion pattern, it is possible to simply convert a change waveform such as a sound volume into a light quantity change waveform as it is. However, in such conversion, if the amplification factor for light amount conversion is lowered in order to reduce fluctuations, the light amount becomes smaller as a whole, giving a dark image. On the other hand, if the amplification factor for the light amount conversion is increased to increase the fluctuation, the light amount may become too large, or the waveform may be cut at the maximum allowable light amount of the LED, and may greatly differ from the intended converted waveform. . As a specific example of avoiding these problems, the apparatus further comprises a fluctuation width adjusting means and an overall light quantity adjusting means, and is configured to be able to set the amplitude amount of the light quantity change by operating the fluctuation width adjusting means. A configuration in which the total light amount (or average value) can be set by operating the light amount adjusting means can be mentioned.

  If this is the case, the total amount of light and the amount of fluctuation can be operated separately, so that the above-mentioned problems can be avoided, and for example, by making the fluctuation width smaller, it becomes a slight fluctuation, not as a phototherapy device, but usually As a lighting device, it can be used sufficiently, and the usability is greatly improved.

  On the other hand, if the size of the audio signal is too large, the waveform may be cut at the maximum allowable light amount of the LED, and the case may be greatly different from the intended conversion waveform, as in the case of increasing the amplification factor for light amount conversion. In order for the user to know this and adjust the audio input amount to an appropriate amount, the size of the audio signal output from the audio signal receiving unit to the LED control unit depends on the maximum allowable light quantity of the LED. It is preferable to further include one or more indicators that emit light in the vicinity of or exceeding a predetermined value.

  If the audio signal size cannot be adjusted on the input side, such as live audio, the microphone that converts the external audio into an audio signal and the gain of the audio signal that is output for the audio signal input to the audio signal reception unit And a sound gain adjusting means for adjusting the sound signal, and by operating the sound gain adjusting means, the sound signal can be converted into the light quantity of the LED within a range not exceeding the allowable maximum light quantity of the LED. Those are preferred.

  In addition, as a specific aspect in which a sufficient amount of light from the LED can be obtained and a change in the amount of light corresponding to some change in the volume or the like can be obtained, the LED control unit can increase the change in volume, pitch, or sound quality. It is desirable to change the light amount so that the upper limit light amount is always constant at the point where the decrease starts.

  In order to allow the user to select a desired one from a plurality of conversion patterns, a conversion pattern storage unit storing a plurality of types of the conversion patterns, and a desired conversion pattern among the conversion patterns are selected. And a selection input unit.

  You may make it change the color of light according to an audio | voice signal. Specifically, the LED control unit changes the color of light emitted from the LED so as to be visually recognizable in response to any one of changes in volume, pitch, and sound quality constituting the sound indicated by the received sound signal. Things can be mentioned.

  Examples of LEDs that can easily change the amount of light and are excellent in life span, light amount stability, and the like include those using LEDs.

  When arranging multiple casings side by side like a shrine or temple, it is a user's request to synchronize the fluctuation of light emitted from each casing or to make it different from this. It is desirable to respond.

  As a specific shape, the casing is preferably a polygonal pyramid. If it is such a thing, it can be used also as room interior in a room or a bedside. In addition, the polygonal pyramid has been said to have a special effect since ancient times, as represented by, for example, a pyramid. The effect of light quality conversion by passing light can also be expected.

  According to the present invention, visible light such as blue to green is emitted from the LED through the polygonal pyramid, so that it is very beautiful and has a mental visual effect in addition to the physical treatment effect by light. Can be obtained synergistically. In addition, the polygonal pyramid has been said to have a special effect since ancient times, as represented by, for example, a pyramid. The therapeutic effect by light quality conversion by passing light can also be expected. Furthermore, since the LED is used, it is possible to easily provide a device that can be miniaturized and has high safety and can be easily handled at home.

  Further, according to the present invention, the light from the LED fluctuates uniquely in accordance with the audio signal, so that the mental therapeutic effect, i.e., healing and relaxation, is realized by the change of the light quality due to the fluctuation or the visual recognition of the fluctuation, for example. An effect etc. can be acquired.

  <First Embodiment>

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the phototherapy device 100 according to the present embodiment supplies a treatment device main body 1 that emits biotherapy light, and supplies power through the treatment device main body 1, while And a control device 6 for controlling the light emission mode.

  Each part will be described in detail.

  Explaining each part, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the treatment apparatus body 1 includes a plurality of LEDs 2, regular hexagonal pyramids 3 that are transparent solid polygonal pyramids arranged in front of the LEDs 2, and those A casing 4 for housing the LED 2 and the hexagonal pyramid 3 is provided.

  The LED 2 is, for example, a type in which a light emitting element is molded with a bullet-type resin, and emits blue light (wavelength: about 470 nm). And it arrange | positions so that two or more may be spread | laid on the circular wiring board 21. FIG.

  The hexagonal pyramid 3 is, for example, a transparent solid made of natural quartz, artificial quartz or the like as a material. Of course, the hexagonal cone 3 can be made of glass, resin, or the like.

  The casing 4 is, for example, a hollow hollow cylinder having one end face opened as a light exit opening 4a and the other end face closed, and substantially half of the light exit opening 4a side is constituted by a transparent wall 41 such as glass or resin. On the other hand, the remaining part on the other end side is constituted by a non-transparent wall 42 having high thermal conductivity such as metal. The LED 2 is housed together with the wiring board on the other end side of the casing 4 so that the LED 2 cannot be seen by being blocked by the non-transparent wall 42 from the side, and the heat generated by the LED 2 is not transparent. Heat can be effectively radiated to the outside through the wall 42. On the other hand, the hexagonal pyramid 3 is housed inside the casing 4 with its tip directed toward the light exit 4a side and its bottom face close to or in contact with the LED 2. And the front end side part of this hexagonal pyramid 3 is comprised so that it can visually recognize through the said transparent wall 41 from the side.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a light-transmitting cap 5 is attached to the light exit port 4a of the casing 4 so as to cover the light exit port 4a. This cap 5 is an elastic member made of a resin having a disk shape, and may be accompanied by bending deformation when it is brought into close contact with a required part of a living body.

  On the other hand, the control device 6 supplies electric power for light emission to the LED 2 via the cable CA, and as shown in FIG. 1, an electric circuit using a discrete circuit or a CPU provided in the housing 60 is used. The intensity of the light emitted from the LED 2 can be controlled by special hardware.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 6 includes a DC converter 63 that converts the supplied AC current into DC by appropriately configuring the hardware, and a volume or external light amount signal. Is provided, or a light amount control unit 64 for controlling the current supplied to the LED 2 by changing the voltage of the DC current based on the received light amount signal or performing PWM conversion. Thus, in the present embodiment, a sound signal receiving unit 61 that receives a sound signal indicating sound such as sutra or music, a sound signal storage unit 65 that stores and stores the received sound signal, and a sound volume indicated by the sound signal. Further, a pattern control unit 62 for controlling the light emission pattern of the light emitted from the LED 2 in accordance with at least one of the timbre and the pitch (volume in this embodiment) is further provided.

  The audio signal receiving unit 61 includes, for example, an audio input terminal (not shown), and connects the audio input terminal to an audio output terminal of a CD player or a VCR with a cable, thereby allowing the user's favorite music or the like to be digitally or analogly transmitted. Can be received as an audio signal.

  The audio signal storage unit 65 stores the received audio signal, and may store a plurality of audio signals.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the pattern control unit 62 changes the light emission pattern of the LED, that is, the duty ratio of the current signal applied to the LED, according to the vibration waveform of the audio signal, for example. In this embodiment, the light intensity control unit 64 sets the pulse height (voltage), and the pattern control unit 62 sets the pulse duty ratio.

  Of course, as shown in FIG. 14, while the pattern control unit 62 changes the pulse height so as to follow the vibration waveform of the audio signal, the light amount control unit 64 controls the light amount by changing the duty ratio. Various modifications are possible.

  The phototherapy device 100 configured as described above operates as follows. When the LED 2 is turned on, the blue light emitted from the LED 2 is introduced into the inside from the bottom surface of the hexagonal pyramid 3 and emitted from the distal end side as biotherapy light. Then, the biological treatment light is emitted to the outside through the light emission port 4 a of the casing 4. On the other hand, by inputting a sound signal such as music or sutra to the sound signal receiving unit 61, the light emission pattern of the light emitted from the LED 2 can be changed in accordance with the sound.

  For example, when it is desired to obtain a mental relaxation effect, a soothing effect, a sleep-sleeping effect, or the like using the phototherapy device 100, as shown in FIG. The LED 2 may be turned on for a predetermined time. In the experiments by the present inventors, irradiating the center of the chest with biotherapy light is also effective in obtaining the same effect. Moreover, in order to obtain an analgesic or anti-inflammatory action, it is effective to irradiate the affected part with living body treatment light from the phototherapy device 100. In addition, it is possible to further improve the effect of treatment by inputting favorite music or voices such as sutra.

  Next, experimental data showing specific effects will be described below.

  In this experiment, in order to obtain data including comparison, the brain wave (α wave and β wave), fingertip skin resistance value, etc. are given to the subject M under the following conditions (1) to (5). It is measured. What is a condition?

  (1) Do nothing

  (2) Only the hexagonal pyramid 3 is brought close to the center of the forehead of the subject M

  (3) Directly irradiate the center of the forehead of subject M with light from LED 2

  (4) The light exit 4a (cap 5) of the phototherapy device 100 is brought into close contact with the center of the forehead of the subject M to irradiate light.

  (5) Do nothing after irradiation of the phototherapy device 100

  There are five.

  The data measurement time under each condition is about 10 minutes. Moreover, the waveform data which took the time of each measurement on the horizontal axis are shown in FIG.

  Here, we will explain the results of analysis by comparing the waveforms of brain waves under each condition. Under the conditions of (1), (2), and (3) where the phototherapy device 100 is not used, the α wave and the β wave are compared with each other as shown in FIGS. It cannot be said that it is superior, and it is almost the same level. However, when light is irradiated by the phototherapy device 100 (4), in the subsequent (5), as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the α wave is clearly superior to the β wave. Yes. Also, the absolute level of the α wave itself is (4), (5) compared to (1), (2), (3) as shown in FIG. 11 which is a graph of the average value data of FIGS. Is clearly higher. In FIG. 11, the value under condition (1) is 1, and the values under the remaining conditions are shown as a ratio to condition (1). From these, it can be seen that the subject M is in a relaxed state by the treatment with the phototherapy device 100. Of particular note is the data (5). That is, it can be seen that the effect continues even if the phototherapy device 100 is used and then removed. In FIG. 11, the value under the condition (1) is 1, and the values under the remaining conditions are shown as a ratio to the condition (1).

  Next, skin resistance data will be compared under each condition, and the analysis results will be described. It is known that the value of skin resistance decreases when parasympathetic nerve predominates, that is, when it becomes relaxed. Accordingly, when the average data of the skin resistance value is viewed, as shown in FIG. 11, the resistance value is greatly reduced in the states (4) and (5) as compared to the state (1). Recognize. In particular, the tendency becomes remarkable especially in (5). That is, it can be determined from the skin resistance value data that the subject M is in a relaxed state by being treated with the phototherapy device 100. Furthermore, as derived from the electroencephalogram data, it can be seen that the therapeutic effect continues even after the phototherapy device 100 is removed.

  Thus, according to the phototherapy device 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain a synergistic mental therapeutic effect in addition to a physical therapeutic effect. This is because a very beautiful blue light is emitted from the LED 2 through the hexagonal pyramid 3, and the subject M can visually recognize it from the outside through the transparent wall 41 of the casing 4, so that a color therapy effect can be obtained at the same time. This is considered to be one of the causes.

  Further, the polygonal pyramid has been said to have a special effect since ancient times, as represented by a pyramid, for example, and allows light to pass through the hexagonal pyramid 3 as in the present embodiment. It is considered that this is because the light quality conversion effect and the implicit or explicit therapeutic effect can be obtained.

  Further, since the LED 2 is used, it is possible to reduce the size and to have a high level of safety, and it can be easily handled at home.

  The present embodiment can be variously modified.

  For example, it is not necessary for all LEDs to emit the same light, and LEDs that emit red, yellow, infrared, ultraviolet, or the like may be mixed, or full color LEDs may be used. In that case, for example, by controlling the amount of light emitted from each LED, the color of the biotherapy light as a whole may be changed in time series to further enhance the color therapy effect. Furthermore, this color change may be performed based on the audio signal.

  In particular, blue to green light (light having a wavelength of about 400 nm to about 560 nm) is preferably emitted, and light having a wavelength of about 450 nm to about 530 nm is more preferable.

  Further, the LED is not limited to a bullet type, and may be a chip type or even a single type. In the case of singular, it is preferable to use a power LED that can continuously flow a current of 200 mA or more and can emit a large amount of light.

  The casing may be all transparent or all opaque. Of course, the form is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained in various other forms depending on the application.

  Furthermore, you may make it provide the mounting tool for mounting | wearing and fixing a treatment apparatus main body to a biological body. An example of the wearing tool is a belt attached to a casing. For example, by winding this belt around the head of the subject, the treatment device body can be attached to the forehead.

  Further, the treatment apparatus main body does not necessarily need to be in close contact with the living body, and may be slightly separated. In that case, it is preferable to provide, for example, a flexible arm for holding the treatment apparatus main body at a desired position in the air.

  In addition, for example, the control device may have a timer function so that the LEDs can be turned on and off at a predetermined time. This is because the power can be turned off after a certain amount of sleep.

  Second Embodiment

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the code | symbol in this embodiment is independent of the code | symbol attached | subjected in the said 1st Embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the phototherapy apparatus 100 ′ in this embodiment can be arranged in a shrine or temple as a systemized lantern-type illumination system. As shown in the figure, this includes, for example, a plurality of lantern main bodies 1 ′ that are arranged along both sides of the passage R, and a light emitter 2 ′ and a control device 3 ′ accommodated in each lantern main body 1 ′. It has.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the lantern body 1 ′ is, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and includes a columnar base portion 11 ′ installed on the outdoor ground and an illumination portion 12 ′ provided at the upper end of the base portion 11 ′. Become.

  The base portion 11 ′ is a hollow one that opens upward, and houses a light emitting device 2 ′, a control device 3 ′, which will be described later, or a power source (not shown). Note that a battery (which may be any type such as a solar battery or a dry battery) is used as a power source. Of course, an AC power source may be used. However, in this embodiment, the power source is a battery for the reason that it takes time to install the power source.

  The illuminating part 12 'is a hollow thing opened downward with the same diameter as the base part, and an outer peripheral wall formed of a member having a translucent and light scattering property and having an equal thickness (for example, Japanese paper having a waterproof film). 12a ′ and a top plate 12b ′ having light reflectivity provided so as to cover the upper end surface of the outer peripheral wall 12a ′.

  As shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the light emitter 2 ′ emits light upward, for example, on a wiring board 21 ′ disposed horizontally at the upper end of the base part 11 ′ and the wiring board 21 ′. And a plurality of arranged LEDs 22 '. In this figure, the LEDs 22 'are arranged so as to form a substantially square shape in plan view. The light emitted upward from these LEDs 22 'passes through the upper end opening of the base portion 11', is guided into the illumination portion 12 ', and is reflected directly or by the top plate 12b' to be reflected on the outer peripheral wall 12a of the illumination portion 12 '. It reaches | attains and is scattered so that it may be inject | emitted outside by the outer peripheral wall 12a '.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the control device 3 ′ includes, for example, a CPU 101 ′, a memory 102 ′, an input unit 103 ′ such as a switch, an AD converter 104 ′, a PWM unit 105 ′, an input / output interface 106 ′, and the like. A chip microcomputer and an amplifier 107 ′ connected to the one-chip microcomputer are disposed below the light emitter 2 ′ in the base portion 11 ′. The control device 3 ′ allows the CPU 101 ′ and its peripheral devices to cooperate in accordance with the program stored in the memory 102 ′, thereby storing the audio signal receiving unit 6 ′, the LED control unit 4 ′, and the conversion pattern storage. It functions as the part D1 ′, the selection input part 5 ′, etc. (see FIG. 19). Each part is described in detail below.

  The audio signal receiving unit 6 ′ is configured using a buffer (not shown), the AD converter 104 ′, and the like. For example, the audio signal receiving unit 6 ′ receives an external audio signal of a predetermined format input from an output terminal of a tape recorder, and the like. A / D conversion is performed at the sampling interval, and digital data in which a plurality of values corresponding to the volume at each sampling time are arranged in time series is generated. The audio signal receiving unit 6 ′ receives an external audio signal and converts it into digital data only when an external / internal switch (not shown) which is one of the input means 103 ′ is set to the outside. It transmits to the light-emitting body control part 4 'mentioned later. The external audio signal may be a user's preference, and examples thereof include music and music.

  The LED control unit 4 ′ has the functions of the pattern control unit and the light amount control unit in the first embodiment. The LED control unit 4 ′ acquires the external audio signal received by the audio signal reception unit 6 ′, and the audio indicated by the audio signal Is converted into a change in the amount of light that can be visually recognized by the LED 22 ′ based on a predetermined conversion pattern. The LED control unit 4 'includes the PWM unit 105', the amplifier 107 ', and the like, and the light amount change is performed by the PWM method. When the external / internal changeover switch is set to the internal side, an internal audio signal is acquired from an audio signal storage unit D2 ′ set in a predetermined area of a rewritable memory 102 ′ such as a RAM. . In the audio signal storage unit D2 ', for example, one or more audio signals are stored in advance as in the first embodiment. For storage, for example, an audio signal is input with a recording switch (not shown) turned on, or an audio signal is input from a separate terminal dedicated for recording (not shown).

  Specifically, a plurality of types of conversion patterns are prepared and stored in a conversion pattern storage unit D1 'set in a predetermined area of the memory 102'. And this LED control part 4 'acquires a conversion pattern from the said conversion pattern storage part D1' based on the value received by selection input part 5 ', and the volume which the said audio | voice signal shows based on the acquired conversion pattern The change is converted into a light amount change signal for changing the light amount of the light emitter 2 ′. The selection input unit 5 'is configured by using a pattern changeover switch (not shown) which is one of the input means 103'.

  In this embodiment, the light amount change signal is a signal indicating a time change in the ratio of ON / OFF time of the pulse wave output from the PWM unit 105 ′, and this light amount change signal is the ON / OFF time of the PWM unit 105 ′. It is converted into a pulse wave having a ratio of several hundred Hz or more, and is changed to the light quantity of the LED 22 ′ via the amplifier 107 ′. When the light quantity of the LED 22 'is controlled by a current value or a voltage value, the light quantity change signal may be a signal indicating a change in the drive current value or the drive voltage value.

  For example, the following four types of conversion patterns are prepared as shown in FIG.

  1. The light quantity of the light emitter 2 'is changed with a waveform having a shape proportional to the volume change waveform indicated by the audio signal. At this time, the light quantity change waveform of the light emitter 2 'is enlarged or reduced or offset so as to be within the allowable maximum value and the minimum value of the light emission amount.

  2. The light quantity of the light emitter 2 'is changed with a waveform having a shape proportional to the volume change waveform indicated by the audio signal. At this time, the light quantity change waveform of the light emitter 2 'is offset in the increasing direction, and the portion exceeding the allowable maximum value of the light emission amount is cut at the maximum value.

  3. The light quantity of the light emitter 2 'is changed with a waveform having a shape proportional to the volume change waveform indicated by the audio signal. At this time, the light quantity change waveform of the light emitter 2 'is offset in the decreasing direction, and the portion below the allowable minimum value of the light emission amount is cut at the minimum value.

  4). The amount of light is changed so that a constant upper limit light amount is always obtained at the point where the volume change changes from increasing to decreasing. The volume change waveform and the light amount change waveform are not proportional in shape. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the following processing is performed.

  (1) The peak of the volume change waveform data is specified. That is, the current value at the time when a value obtained by subtracting a value at a certain time (referred to as the current value) of the volume change waveform data from a value at the next sampling time (referred to as the next value) turns from plus to minus is specified.

  (2) Next, a difference value obtained by subtracting the current value from a predetermined upper limit value is calculated, and the difference value is added to each value of the volume change waveform data constituting the mountain. The data calculated in this way forms a light quantity change waveform. The data constituting the mountain is data from the time when the current value subtracted from the next value changes from minus to plus, and then to the time when the value changes from minus to plus again.

  (3) Specify the top of the next mountain and repeat the same until the end.

  An example of the operation of the lantern system 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

  First, when the power is turned on, an initialization process is performed (step S1).

  Next, the audio signal receiving unit 6 'reads the value of the external / internal switch (step S2).

  If the switch is set to “external”, an external audio signal is read (step S3), and AD conversion processing is performed to convert the audio signal into digital data (step S4). On the other hand, if the switch is set to “external”, an internal audio signal stored in advance in the audio signal storage unit D2 ′ is read (step S5).

  Next, the LED control unit 4 ′ acquires a value indicated by the pattern changeover switch read by the selection input unit 5 ′ (step S6), and extracts a conversion pattern from the conversion pattern storage unit D1 ′ according to the value. (Step S7). Based on the conversion pattern, the volume change is converted into a light quantity change, and the LED 22 'is driven (step S8).

  Steps S2 to S8 are repeated until the end (for example, the power is turned off).

  According to the phototherapy apparatus 100 ′ according to the present embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to expect mental treatment or healing effects such as healing and relaxation.

  The present embodiment can be variously modified.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the control device 3 ′ is incorporated in each lantern body 1 ′ independently, and each light emitter 2 ′ can be driven independently by an audio signal input to each control device 3 ′. However, you may make it control the light-emitting device of several lantern main bodies only with one control apparatus. In this case, it is possible to select the case where the light emitted from each light emitter is shaken in synchronization with the case where it is shaken independently, or the case where the sound signal is different for each light emitter. If it is possible to select the case of driving with a switch or the like, many fluctuation variations can be realized, and various demands of the user can be met. Of course, the same function may be realized by connecting the control devices to each other by wire or wirelessly.

  Further, the light emitter is not limited to the one using the LED, and an incandescent bulb or other light source may be used.

  Furthermore, the light emission amount may be changed not only by changing the light emission amount by changing the volume, but also by changing the pitch or sound quality, or a combination thereof. Specifically, in the case of a pitch, a frequency analysis device may be provided so that the amount of light is changed in accordance with a change in input pitch, that is, a change in fundamental frequency of sound. In the case of sound quality, the amount of light may be changed in accordance with the magnitude of harmonics superimposed on the fundamental frequency and changes in frequency.

  The change in the amount of light does not need to be visually recognizable, and may be changed to a very fast fluctuation that cannot be visually recognized, such as FM modulation. In this way, it can be applied to ordinary lighting used for work and study. Of course, the conversion method shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 of the first embodiment may be used.

  In addition, the color of the light emitter may be changed by an audio signal so as to be visually recognizable. This can be realized by using, for example, a multicolor LED for the light emitter.

  <Third Embodiment>

  The third embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, members corresponding to those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  Similar to the second embodiment, the phototherapy device 100 ′ according to the third embodiment receives an audio signal input from the outside, and changes the volume indicated by the received audio signal based on a predetermined conversion pattern using an LED ( (Not shown) having a single casing 1 'and can be used for indoor lighting such as room lighting and bedside lighting.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, the casing 1 ′ has a polygonal pyramid shape (in this example, a pyramidal quadrangular pyramid). Then, various operating means (switches and volumes) 71 ′ to 77 ′ or connectors (not shown) are provided on the base portion 11 ′ of the casing 1 ′, and these operations are stored in the base portion 11 ′. A device (not shown) receives the light and controls the light emission mode of an LED (not shown) according to the operation. The LED is installed at a height of about ３ from the apex of the casing 1 ′, and is configured to obtain a psychological effect as a so-called pyramid power.

  An internal functional block diagram is shown in FIG. In particular, the characteristic feature of this embodiment is that the operating means is provided with a DEPTH volume 71 ′ as a fluctuation width adjusting means and a LIGHT volume 72 ′ as an overall light quantity adjusting means, and these volumes 71 ′ and 72 ′. Therefore, the gain of the sound-light quantity waveform conversion can be determined by a unique method. The DEPTH volume 71 'can set the amount of amplitude of the light quantity change by the operation, and the LIGHT volume 72' can set the total light quantity by the operation. Details will be described later.

  In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of indicators 78 'indicating the input amount (input voltage) of the audio signal are provided on the base portion 11' of the casing 1 '. These indicators 78 'visually indicate the magnitude of the audio signal transmitted from the audio signal receiving unit 6' to the LED control unit 4 ', and one of the special ones (the top one in the figure) is The LED emits light when it exceeds a predetermined value determined in accordance with the allowable maximum light quantity of the LED.

  In addition, a REC switch 74 ', a PLAY switch 75', a select switch 76 ', an audio output volume 77', a power switch 73 ', and the like are provided.

  Briefly describing these, the REC switch 74 'is turned on to store the audio signal received by the audio signal receiving unit 6' in the audio signal storage unit D2 '. More specifically, the LED control unit 4 'reads the value of the REC switch 74' and causes the audio signal storage unit D2 'to write an audio signal.

  When the PLAY switch 75 'is turned on, the audio signal in the audio signal storage unit D2' is output to the LED control unit 4 '. More specifically, the LED control unit 4 ′ reads the value of the PLAY switch 75 ′ to drive the external / internal switch SW1, and connects the internal side, that is, the audio signal storage unit D2 ′ to the LED control unit 4 ′. Set to.

  The select switch 76 'sets which one or a plurality of audio signals stored in the audio signal storage unit D2' is output. In this embodiment, the user can write an arbitrary audio signal in the audio signal storage unit D2 ′, but an audio signal that is considered to have a high healing effect is stored in advance in a manner that cannot be rewritten to a part thereof. Therefore, at least the specified audio signal and other arbitrary audio signals can be selected by the select switch 76 '.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the input audio signal is configured to be output as audio by a built-in speaker, and the audio output volume 77 'determines the size of the audio output.

  The power switch 73 'is used to turn on / off the power.

  Next, examples of waveform conversion performed using the DEPTH volume 71 ′ and the LIGHT volume 72 ′ are shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. For example, the operation width of each of the volumes 71 ′ and 72 ′ is set to 0 to 100, and FIG. 25 shows changes in the light amount change waveform when the DEPTH volume 71 ′ is operated. FIG. 26 shows changes in the light amount change waveform when the LIGHT volume 72 ′ is operated. When the DEPTH volume 71 ′ is operated, the amplitude of the light intensity increases or decreases with the maximum point (or the allowable maximum light intensity value if the value of the LIGHT volume 72 ′ is MAX100) as a fixed point. When the LIGHT volume 72 'is operated, the size of the maximum point increases or decreases. The amplitude amount set by the DEPTH volume 71 'increases or decreases in proportion to the operation amount of the LIGHT volume 72'.

  A method of operating the phototherapy device 100 ′ configured as described above will be described below.

  First, an audio signal is input. At this time, one of the indicators 78 ′ is turned on according to the magnitude of the audio signal. One of them is the value of the audio signal output from the audio signal receiving unit D2 ′ to the LED control unit 4 ′. Since it emits light when it exceeds or exceeds a predetermined value determined in accordance with the maximum allowable light quantity, the magnitude of the audio signal is set so that it does not emit light or is just at the limit of whether to emit light. Adjust the height. This ensures that the amount of light converted from the audio signal is not saturated. FIG. 27 shows a light amount change waveform obtained by setting the values of the DEPTH volume 71 'and the LIGHT volume 72' to 100 in this state.

  Next, for example, when the DEPTH volume 71 'is operated and set to 20, the light intensity decreases to 20/100, that is, 20% with the maximum point as a fixed point (see FIG. 28).

  Further, for example, when the LIGHT volume 72 'is operated and set to 70, the maximum amount of light reaches 70, and the amplitude decreases in proportion thereto. That is, 0.2 × 0.7 = 0.14, and the amplitude is reduced to 14% as compared with the case where each of the volumes 71 ′ and 72 ′ has a value of 100 (see FIG. 29).

  By the way, when the DEPTH volume 71 ′ is operated and set to 60 from here, the value of the LIGHT volume 72 ′ is 70, so that 0.6 × 0.7 = 0.42, and the amplitude is the volume 71 ′, 72 ′. Compared to the case where the values of 100 are 100, respectively, it is 42% (see FIG. 30).

  By adjusting the volumes 71 ′ and 72 ′ in this way, the user's favorite light can be obtained. For example, by increasing the DEPTH volume 71 ′, the light fluctuation increases, which is effective for those who feel that the large fluctuation is comfortable. On the other hand, since the fluctuation is reduced by taking it small, it is possible to use it in the same way as normal lighting by setting the fluctuation to a level at which it cannot be visually recognized.

  Note that if the DEPTH volume 71 ′ is too small, fluctuations cannot be visually recognized as described above. Therefore, the default value of the DEPTH volume 71 ′ at the time of shipment is set to, for example, about 50 so that the fluctuations are reliably generated. But don't be confused by the initial operation. Also, the values of the volumes 71 'and 72' once set by the user are stored as default values when the power is turned on next time.

  Further, by adjusting the size of the audio signal so that the light amount does not saturate upward by the indicator 78 ′, distortion of the change waveform of the light amount converted from the audio signal can be prevented.

  Furthermore, since the DEPTH volume 71 'adjusts the downward amplitude with the maximum point as a fixed point, this also prevents the upward saturation of the light amount. On the other hand, although the total light amount fluctuates due to the operation of the LIGHT volume 72 ′, the light amount amplitude also increases or decreases in proportion to the operation amount. Therefore, even if the LIGHT volume 72 ′ is reduced, for example, the light amount saturates downward and has a waveform. Can be prevented from being distorted. In this way, the shape of the light quantity change waveform can be kept substantially the same as the shape of the volume change waveform that is the original waveform (although the amplitude changes).

  In addition, as in the first embodiment, the casing 1 'is a quadrangular pyramid and has been said to have a special effect since ancient times, as represented by a pyramid. It is considered that a light quality conversion effect by allowing light to pass through and an implicit or explicit therapeutic effect can be obtained.

  As a similar example, although not shown, an upper limit setting volume for determining an upper limit value for converting an audio signal to a light amount signal and a lower limit setting volume for determining a lower limit value for converting an audio signal to a light amount signal are provided. Is described below.

  In this example, the LED control unit reads the upper limit value set by the upper limit setting volume and the lower limit value set by the lower limit setting volume, so that the light amount change waveform is substantially contained between the upper limit value and the lower limit value. Then, the amplitude ratio of the waveform of the audio signal is set, that is, only the width in the vertical direction is changed to be converted into a light amount change waveform.

  This specific waveform conversion is illustrated in FIGS. For example, in FIG. 31, the upper limit value 100 and the lower limit value 0 are set, and in this case, the waveform of the audio signal is directly converted into a light amount change waveform. In FIG. 32, for example, the upper limit value 100 and the lower limit value 80 are set. In this case, as shown in the figure, the change width of the waveform, that is, the fluctuation becomes very small, and the average light quantity increases. In FIG. 33, for example, an upper limit value 50 and a lower limit value 0 are set. In this case, as shown in the figure, the change width of the waveform becomes about half and the average light quantity decreases.

  If this is the case, increasing the difference between the upper limit and lower limit set with the upper limit setting volume and the lower limit setting volume will increase the light fluctuation, which is effective for people who feel comfortable with large fluctuations. It becomes. On the other hand, since the fluctuation is reduced by taking it small, it is possible to use it in the same way as normal lighting by setting the fluctuation to a level at which it cannot be visually recognized. In addition, the average value of the amount of light can be increased or decreased by setting the upper limit value and the lower limit value to a large value or a small value, respectively.

  The conversion pattern is not limited to the above embodiment, and various patterns such as reversing the voice change waveform can be adopted.

  In addition, when the input side cannot adjust the size of the audio signal, such as live audio, a microphone that converts external audio into an audio signal, and an audio signal that is output with respect to the audio signal input to the audio signal receiving unit Voice gain adjusting means for adjusting the gain of the LED, and by operating the voice gain adjusting means, the voice signal can be converted into the light quantity of the LED within a range not exceeding the allowable maximum light quantity of the LED. It doesn't matter.

  In addition, not only the volume but also the change in pitch or sound quality may be converted into a change in light amount. In this case, the amount of light changes at such a speed that it cannot be visually recognized, so it gives the user a feeling similar to that of a normal lighting device and can be used as a normal lighting device, but the light quality changes. You can expect mental effects such as healing and relaxation. Of course, it may be converted into a light color change as well as a light amount change.

  Furthermore, it is of course possible to configure a combination of some or all of the embodiments and modifications as appropriate. In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the physical beautiful therapeutic effect by light and the mental effect by vision can be obtained by the unique beautiful visible light from the LED.

1 is an overall view showing an entire phototherapy device in a first embodiment of the present invention. The perspective whole view of the treatment apparatus main part in the embodiment. The front view of the treatment apparatus main body in the embodiment. AA line sectional view in FIG. The functional block diagram of the control apparatus in the embodiment. The data table which shows the experimental data in the same embodiment. The data table which shows the experimental data in the same embodiment. The data table which shows the experimental data in the same embodiment. The data table which shows the experimental data in the same embodiment. The data table which shows the experimental data in the same embodiment. The graph which summarized the data of FIGS. 6-10. The time series graph which shows the experimental data in the embodiment. Light pattern control explanatory drawing explaining the example of control of the light pattern in the embodiment. Light pattern control explanatory drawing explaining the other control example of the light pattern in the embodiment. The whole figure which shows the whole lantern system in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The disassembled perspective view which shows the lantern main body in the embodiment. The top view which shows the light-emitting device in the embodiment. The internal device schematic diagram which shows typically the internal device of the control apparatus in the embodiment. The functional block diagram of the control apparatus in the embodiment. Conversion pattern explanatory drawing which illustrates the conversion pattern in the embodiment. Conversion pattern explanatory drawing explaining the content of the conversion pattern 4 in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the lantern system of the embodiment. The whole figure which shows the phototherapy apparatus in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The functional block diagram of the control apparatus in the embodiment. The wave form diagram which shows an example of the light quantity change waveform in the embodiment. The wave form diagram which shows an example of the light quantity change waveform in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of a light amount change waveform generated as a result of a setting operation in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of a light amount change waveform generated as a result of a setting operation in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of a light amount change waveform generated as a result of a setting operation in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of a light amount change waveform generated as a result of a setting operation in the embodiment. The wave form diagram which shows an example of the light quantity change waveform at the time of operating the upper limit setting volume and the lower limit setting volume in the modification of the embodiment. The wave form diagram which shows an example of the light quantity change waveform at the time of operating the upper limit setting volume and the lower limit setting volume in the modification of the embodiment. The wave form diagram which shows an example of the light quantity change waveform at the time of operating the upper limit setting volume and the lower limit setting volume in the modification of the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 ... Phototherapy device 2 ... LED
3 ... Polygonal cone (hexagonal cone)
4 ... Casing 4a ... Light exit 41 ... Transparent wall 5 ... Cap 6 ... Control device 61 ... Audio signal receiving part 62 ... Pattern control part M ... Living body ( subject)

100 '... Phototherapy device (lantern system)
1 '... casing (lantern body)
2 '... light emitter 22' ... LED
4 '... LED control unit 5' ... selection input unit 6 '... audio signal reception unit D1' ... conversion pattern storage unit D1 '
71 '... Fluctuation width adjusting means (DEPTH volume)
72 '... Whole light quantity adjustment means (LIGHT volume)

Claims (11)

One or more casings;
An LED housed in the casing so that light can be emitted to the outside;
An audio signal receiving unit for receiving an externally input audio signal;
A phototherapy apparatus comprising: an LED control unit that converts a change in volume, pitch, or sound quality indicated by the received audio signal into a change in the light amount of the LED based on a predetermined conversion pattern.   The phototherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the change in the amount of light is visually recognizable.   It is further equipped with fluctuation width adjustment means and total light quantity adjustment means, and it is possible to set the amount of amplitude of light quantity change by operating the fluctuation width adjustment means, and set the total light quantity by operating the total light quantity adjustment means The phototherapy device according to claim 1 or 2, which is configured to be possible.   It further includes one or more indicators that emit light when the size of the audio signal transmitted from the audio signal receiving unit to the LED control unit is in the vicinity of or exceeding a predetermined value that is predetermined according to the maximum allowable light quantity of the LED. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, 2 or 3. An audio gain adjusting means for adjusting the gain of the audio signal output with respect to the audio signal input to the audio signal receiving unit;
5. The phototherapy device according to claim 4, wherein the audio signal can be converted into the light amount of the LED within a range not exceeding the allowable maximum light amount of the LED by operating the sound gain adjusting means.   3. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the LED control unit changes the light amount so that a constant upper limit light amount is always obtained at a point at which the change in volume, pitch, or sound quality changes from increase to decrease. A conversion pattern storage unit storing a plurality of types of the conversion patterns;
The phototherapy device according to claim 1, further comprising a selection input unit for selecting a desired conversion pattern from the conversion patterns.   The LED control unit changes the color of light emitted from the LED so as to be visually recognizable in response to any one of the volume, pitch, and sound quality indicated by the received audio signal. 5. The phototherapy device according to 5, 6 or 7.   The phototherapy device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of casings, wherein the fluctuations of light emitted from the respective casings are synchronized.   The phototherapy device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of casings, wherein the fluctuation of light emitted from each casing is different. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the casing is a polygonal pyramid.