TW201543424A - Device to prevent a condition or disease associated with a lack of outdoor time - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a wearable device, including component parts thereof, that encourages individuals, especially children, to change their behavior by logging the amount of time a wearer spends outdoors with a view to encouraging the achievement of a daily target that has the effect of preventing myopia which is a condition or disease associated with a lack of time spent outdoors.

Description

Device for preventing symptoms or diseases associated with insufficient outdoor time

The present invention relates to a wearable device comprising a component portion thereof that motivates an individual, particularly a child, to change their behavior by logging in a time spent by the wearer outdoors, the purpose of which is to achieve a A daily goal to prevent myopia, a symptom or disease associated with insufficient outdoor time.

Background of the invention

Myopia is a significant global public health problem, and the prevalence of the world has been increasing in recent decades. The number of such ametropia in the world is estimated to be between 800 million and 2.3 billion. In Asia, the prevalence of myopia is much higher than in other parts of the world. For example, the prevalence of myopia in adults in the United States is reported to be 22.7%. However, the prevalence of myopia in Japan is reported as 50% (National People's Prevalence), in Taiwan it is reported that 84% of people are 16 years old, and those who are reported to be 5 to 16 years old in Hong Kong are 36.7%. . Singapore has the highest myopia rate, 27.8% for 7-year-old children and 83% for 18-year-olds.

Myopia causes a huge socioeconomic burden due to loss of productivity due to visual impairment and its cost of correction (2.5 in the US per year) One hundred million U.S. dollars). In Singapore, the average annual cost of spending 7 to 9 years of school-age children per year in Singapore is estimated at $148.

Adults with severe myopia may have blind eye complications such as retinal perforation and macular degeneration. Myopia is also associated with other visual threats to eye complications such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Outdoor activities during the day are an important risk factor for myopia

Myopia is a complex multifactorial trait that is driven by genetic and environmental factors. Myopia generally develops between the early to the middle of childhood, but it may also develop in the late teens or early adulthood. It is worth noting that there is currently no known method to prevent myopia in children. In randomized clinical trials, glasses, contact lenses, and atropine eye drops have not been proven to prevent myopia.

Recent epidemiological studies have found that spending more time outdoors can reduce the incidence of myopia. In a study of a 6-year-old Chinese child, Singaporean children had a 28% nearsightedness rate, while the Australian 6 Chinese children in Sydney had a prevalence rate of only 3.3%. The main difference that caused this disparity was the time spent in the two groups during the day during the day: estimated to be 3 hours per week in Singapore compared to 13.8 hours per week in Sydney. In one study, among Sydney's 1,765 six-year-old children and 2,367 twelve-year-old children from 2003 to 2005, it was found that spending more time outdoors, not exercise itself, with less myopia and one more The average refractive power of hyperopia is associated [27]. The American Olinda Longitudinal Study of Myopia is a cohort study of annual vision of school-age children during the 1st to 8th grades, indicating that a large amount of exercise and outdoor activity can reduce the likelihood of becoming myopia. [28]. The Singapore cohort study on myopia risk factors (SCORM) also found that higher levels of outdoor activity were associated with lower prevalence of myopia [1]. In addition, it has been found that the progression of myopia in winter will be greater than in summer [29, 30].

In a school-based Guangzhou Outdoor Activity Longitudinal (GOAL) study, which studied 1789 6.6-year-old children, the results indicated that children who scheduled an hour of outdoor time during school days had a statistically significant diopter after 2 years. The decrease was (0.86 ± 0.77 D) compared to the intervention group (0.75 ± 0.69 D, p < 0.01) and axial elongation (0.61 ± 0.35 mm vs 0.59 ± 0.33 mm, p < 0.05) [14].

The main underlying factor in the association between outdoor activity time and myopia is the brightness of the outdoor light. Daytime outdoor activities provide very high ambient light that triggers the release of dopamine, a photoreceptor neurotransmitter and an eye growth inhibitor that prevents myopia [31]. In a laboratory test, chick eyes were exposed to laboratory light at 15,000 lux (lx) for 5 hours per day or 30,000 lx for 15 minutes per day with significantly shorter eyes (8.81 +/- 0.05 mm; P < 0.01) and Less myopia refraction (-1.1 +/- 0.45 D; P < 0.01) compared to chick eyes raised in conventional laboratory light 500 lx [32]. Ambient light levels of up to 18,000 lx to 28,000 lx retarded form deprivation myopia in young monkeys and a 87% reduction in the mean of myopic anisometropia in monkeys raised at high luminosity [33]. Tree shrews exposed to high temperature light levels (approximately 16,000 lx for approximately 8 hours) have reduced 44% of form deprivation myopia (-3.6 ± 0.1 D vs. -6.4 ± 0.7 D) and 39% decreased lens induced myopia (- 2.9 ± 0.4 D is above -4.8 ± 0.3 D) [34]. It has also been found that the injection of the dopamine antagonist, Spiperone, is able to eliminate this high light intensity protection in chicken eyes [35].

However, there is another hypothesis that can explain the protective effects of this outdoor activity. This hypothesis involves the elimination of retinal image blurring and peripheral hyperopia defocus [36]. In the adjacent work, the peripheral retina will experience a blur and the blur does not exist when viewed outdoors [37, 38]. The peripheral retina has a larger concave surface than the fovea, which is considered to be responsible for controlling growth. Animal experiments have shown that peripheral vision can affect eye growth and refractive development, and long-range viewing outdoors can slow eye growth [39, 40].

Yet another hypothesis relates to differences in outdoor space configurations, so the way light affects the eye is also different, and this difference may have a protective effect on lens development in spatial configuration.

Yet another further hypothesis relates to the amount of excessive blue-green wavelengths in outdoor scenes that also protectively prevent myopia [41]. In the average sunlight of outdoor scenes, there is a large amount of blue light and some green light and a significant reduction in red light [41]. Chicken eyes raised under excessive red light develop myopia when compared to chick eyes raised in excessive blue or white light [42]. More than two hours of blue light per day plus ten hours of red light can cause hyperopia. In addition, a study among a group of school students with a lack of vision in red and green colors found that the prevalence of myopia was significantly lower than that of the control group [43].

Therefore, if you want to prevent myopia, you must encourage a higher degree of exposure to outdoor conditions with such beneficial effects. To this end, we have devised a novel portable device that can track the amount of time spent outdoors, usually in days, and provide a daily goal that will be achieved by the wearer, thereby changing the The behavior of the wearer. More specifically, the device is adapted to measure the illuminance of a wearer exposed to ambient light during each day, And determining a user's exposure to an amount of time that the lx level is greater than a threshold, the threshold being set to distinguish between typical outdoor illumination and typical indoor illumination [16]. Therefore, we have developed an incentive device that aims to change health behaviors and enable parents to effectively and conveniently encourage their children to participate in more outdoor activities to prevent myopia. The device is also expected to be useful for clinical trials of outdoor protocols.

Statement of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a wearable device is provided to prevent myopia by encouraging and increasing the amount of time a wearer spends outdoors during the day, comprising: a) at least one photosensor adapted to: Measuring light; b) at least one display device; c) at least one actual time clock (RTC); d) at least one power source; e) a non-electrical memory; f) a microcontroller or microprocessor; An embedded software residing in the microcontroller and/or the non-electrical memory; wherein the embedded software is set or can be set to define a light threshold for measurement by the light sensor The amount of time that the light exceeding the threshold is sustained is recorded in the memory, and further wherein the embedded software is set, or can be set such that it is within any specified time interval The accumulated amount of time that light exceeds the threshold is recorded in the memory and displayed on the display device.

In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the time interval is one day or 24 hours, although larger periods may be used to use the invention, such as two or more days, including three days, four days. , five or six days, or even one or seven days.

In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the embedded software is set or can be set such that a unit of measurement of light, such as illuminance, is experienced to a target value greater than the cumulative amount of time of the threshold. Be defined. Moreover, this target value is preferably displayed on the display device, and the amount of time remaining to reach this target value during the time interval is also displayed on the display device. Typically, the target value is 2 to 4 hours per day, including all 1 minute intervals between them. Most typically, although not unique, the target value is 3 hours or approximately 3 hours.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor is adjusted to measure illuminance, such that the threshold is an illuminance threshold. In this embodiment, light having an illuminance greater than the illuminance threshold is recorded in the memory. Further, for the prescribed time interval, the accumulated time amount of light having an illuminance greater than the threshold value is recorded in the memory and displayed on the display device. Ideally, the threshold is set at a transition point, i.e., higher than the highest indoor recording of the light or at least one selected portion of the visible spectrum, and below the lowest outdoor record of the light or visible at that The selected part of the spectrum.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the threshold value, indoor pair Representative of outdoor light, defined as 500-5000 lx, ideally 950-1500 lx, most typically about 1000 lx, and preferably 1000 lx.

Typically, the time interval is one day and the target value is between 2 and 4 hours per day, including all 1 minute intervals between them, a range of 500 to 5000 lx per day, including all 1 in between Unit interval. Most typically, although not unique, the target value is 3 hours, and preferably the light threshold is set to or about 1000 lx.

Additionally, or alternatively, the sensor is tuned to measure any one or more selected portions of the spectrum, including any combination thereof. In this alternative example, for example, indoor and outdoor blue light levels are determined and set to a threshold value, which is a value indicating the difference between the two. Additionally, or alternatively, the sensor is tuned to measure UV light, so the threshold is a UV light threshold. In this embodiment of the invention, the UV sensor is preferably tuned to have the strongest responder in the wavelength range 280-400 nm.

In all of the above embodiments of the invention, the light sensor is calibrated such that the threshold represents the boundary between a selected type of indoor and outdoor light intensity, and thus is performed between the two environments A cutoff of distinction.

The light measured by the photo sensor below the threshold may preferably be recorded in the memory or discarded for an amount of time that the light continues to be lower than the threshold; when it is recorded, Desirably, the cumulative amount of time that the light continues to fall below the threshold during any particular time interval is recorded in the memory and displayed on the display device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device of the invention is used to prevent myopia.

In still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the time interval is one day or 24 hours, although larger periods may also be used to use the invention, such as two or more days, including three days, four days. , five or six days, or even one or seven days.

In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the embedded software is set or can be set such that a unit of measurement of light, such as illuminance, is experienced for a day target greater than the cumulative amount of time of the threshold. The value is defined. In addition, the target value is preferably displayed on the display device, and the amount of time remaining to reach the target value during the time interval is also displayed on the display device.

The embedded software referred to herein is the software held by the microcontroller in the device. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a microprocessor having a non-electrical memory, wherein the software of the apparatus resides in the non-electrical memory rather than being embedded in the microprocessor In the wafer.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided a device end user software that enables a user to download data recorded on the device and/or connect the device to another computing platform, thereby The use of the device can be manipulated.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the level of the instant light, such as illuminance, is displayed on the display device, preferably also displaying the threshold value, thereby whether the instant light value that the user can know is high. At or below The threshold, and also knows, if any, its magnitude. Ideally, the display device is a small screen.

Most preferably, the RTC can be used in conjunction with the achievement of the associated excitation functions provided in the device. For example, when the daily outdoor time target (preferably 3 hours) has not been reached, the device provides feedback to the user via the display or other function, such as an associated LED indicator. Hearing device (beep), oscillating device (vibration), haptic device or in other ways. Moreover, preferably the RTC can also be configured to enable the device to track daylight hours based on the current date. In fact, a typical RTC chip can calculate time and date, including leap years. Therefore, the daylight hours can be adjusted, for example, between winter and summer. Thus, the RTC is further tuned to predict foreseeable changes during the day, such as those that would vary with the seasons and geographic locations. This preferred feature enables a complex incentive strategy in which timely prompts can be provided through the device, encouraging outdoor activities with or without the intervention of a user.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a wrist worn device or a badge worn device.

More preferably, the photosensor includes a photodetector element accompanied by a circuit and a serial communication interface. Most preferably, the photodetector is selected such that its spectral response matches the average response of the human eye well (see, for example, the CIE 2° Standard Observer [47] or the CIE 10° Standard Observer [49, 50]). In addition, the photodetector must be able to distinguish illuminance values below which they are below (usually less than or equal to 1000) Lx) is still greater than this threshold and therefore represents outdoor/avoiding, for example, myopia (generally greater than 1000 lx). For this device, a suitable light sensor can be selected from the list included or composed of: calibrating a photodiode, a photovoltaic transistor, a photoresistor, or any other light sensation that meets the above requirements. Detector. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, monochromatic light detection may be by i) using a light sensor having a narrow spectral response concentrated in a particular color or ii) using a color filter combined with a broadband A responsive light sensor (eg, a white light sensor) is alternatively implemented.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an analog signal from the photosensor is amplified prior to feeding the signal to the microcontroller. Ideally, for data recording, the photosensor signal is converted to a digital signal using an analog to digital converter (ADC), which is then fed to an input pin on the microcontroller.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the embedded soft system is configured in accordance with FIG. Ideally, key parameters such as the illuminance threshold (THRESHOLD), the sampling interval of the illuminance (SAMPLE_INT), and the number of samples used for averaging (SAMPLES) are all specified in the microcontroller code.

Ideally, the microcontrollers sample the signals from the photosensor and calculate an "instant" average illuminance value (AVG_LIGHT). If the illuminance reading changes from below the threshold to above the threshold, the microcontroller triggers an internal timer function (TIMER) and creates a timing object (T) that tracks the illuminance that has continuously exceeded the threshold. how long. The cumulative light exposure time above the threshold level on that day It is also updated and stored in this memory (CUMEXP). In order to record the detailed information, the microcontroller calls a recorded event and the data (DATA, TIME, AVG_LIGHT, CUMEXP) is written to the non-electrical memory. The display information is then updated with the instant illumination and the accumulated exposure time.

For the case where the instant illuminance is below the threshold, the complete data record can be activated by turning on the "full data mode" (ALL_DATA = TRUE). Alternatively, if no data of a low light level is required to be recorded, the display device is updated with the instant illuminance without a record of the data. The data logging function can be adjusted according to the requirements of a user. Reducing records can improve battery life while a complete data record is beneficial for clinical research. The TIME and DATE values are available from the actual time clock for recording and display. If the TIME return value indicates that it is currently midnight, CUMEXP will be reset to zero and then used to track the cumulative exposure of the new day.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the power source is a battery that is replaceable or rechargeable. Where a rechargeable battery is used, the device includes battery charging and protection circuitry for connection to an external power source.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller embedded software further includes a method of calculating a remaining capacity of the battery to relay the battery life information to a user via the display device. Ideally, to extend battery life, the embedded code can also be used to turn specific peripherals on or off to minimize power consumption.

More preferably, the device includes a push button switch for user input. Specifically, the buttons can be used to set the time and date on the RTC, select information displayed on the display, and switch between different user modes. Additionally or alternatively, the device is adapted to use touch screen controls of conventional software and associated circuitry.

Ideally, the device includes a client or end user software to allow for the use of a personal computer or any other computing platform to change device settings.

Ideally, the device will also be connected to a computing platform (e.g., a personal computer) that is connected to a serial to USB converter. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus further includes a wireless transceiver to transmit data from the apparatus.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for treating or preventing myopia is provided by encouraging and increasing the amount of time an individual spends outdoors during the day, comprising: a) providing a wearable device Preventing myopia, comprising: at least one photo sensor adapted to measure light; at least one display device; at least one real time clock (RTC); at least one power source; a non-electric memory; a microcontroller or micro a processor; and an embedded software residing in the microcontroller and/or the non-electrical memory; b) setting the embedded software to define a light threshold; c) recording the amount of time that the light measured by the light sensor exceeds the threshold is recorded in the memory; d) setting the embedded The software defines a specified time interval; e) records the accumulated amount of time in which the light exceeds the threshold during the time interval; and f) displays the accumulated amount of time exceeding the threshold On the display device.

Although the method has been described by steps a)-f), it is apparent that steps b) and d) can be set in advance before a user wears the device and, in fact, this is usually the case.

In still another first preferred method of the invention, the time interval is one day or 24 hours, although a larger period may be used to use the invention, such as two or more days, including three days, four days. , five or six days, or even one or seven days.

In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the embedded software is set or can be set such that a unit of measurement of light, such as illuminance, is experienced to a target value greater than the cumulative amount of time of the threshold. Be defined. Moreover, this target value is preferably displayed on the display device and, preferably, the amount of time remaining to reach this target value during the time interval is also displayed on the display device. Typically, this daily target value is between 2 and 4 hours, including all 1 minute intervals between them. Most typically, although not unique, the target value is 3 hours per day or approximately 3 hours per day.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor is adjusted The illumination is measured, so the threshold is a illuminance threshold. In this embodiment, light having an illuminance greater than the illuminance threshold is recorded in the memory. Further, for the prescribed time interval, the accumulated time amount of light having an illuminance greater than the threshold value is recorded in the memory and displayed on the display device. Ideally, the threshold is set at a transition point, i.e., higher than the highest indoor recording of the light or at least one selected portion of the visible spectrum, and below the lowest outdoor record of the light or visible at that The selected part of the spectrum.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the threshold, representative of indoor contrast to outdoor light, is defined as 500-5000 lx, desirably 950-1500 lx, most typically about 1000 lx, and most preferably 1000 lx.

Typically, the interval is one day and the target value is between 2 and 4 hours per day, including all 1-minute intervals between them, a range of 500 to 5000 lx per day, including all 1 units in between interval. Most typically, although not unique, the target value is 3 hours, and preferably, the light threshold is set to or about 1000 lx.

In the following claims and prior description of the present invention, the word "includes" or its variants such as "included" or "included" is used in addition to the context, unless otherwise indicated by the language or the necessary implied. The use of an inclusive meaning is to specify the existence of the stated feature, but does not exclude the presence or addition of additional features in various embodiments of the invention.

All references, including any patents or patent applications, are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety herein in its entirety Do not recognize any References have constituted the prior art. In addition, it is not admitted that any prior art is part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Preferred features of each aspect of the invention can be described in conjunction with any other aspect.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following examples. In general, the invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features (including the appended claims and drawings) disclosed in the specification. Thus, a function, a whole, a feature, a component or a device described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention is to be understood as being applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible.

In addition, any features disclosed herein may be substituted by alternative features having the same or similar objectives, unless otherwise stated.

Throughout the specification and claims of the specification, the singular encompasses the plural, unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, when the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood

1‧‧‧Wearing device

2‧‧‧Microcontroller

3‧‧‧Light sensor

4‧‧‧ memory

5‧‧‧Small display device

5a‧‧‧ Instant light levels

5b‧‧‧The amount of time accumulated outdoors

5c‧‧‧ Date and time

5d‧‧‧Other ways

6‧‧‧ Actual time clock

7‧‧‧Wrist-worn form

8‧‧‧Battery power supply

9‧‧‧Wireless transceiver

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows the average brightness levels of different indoor and outdoor activities; FIG. 2 shows a system of the novel apparatus Block diagram; Figure 3 shows an embedded software flow diagram of a method for implementing the main functions of the device; Figure 4 illustrates a device in accordance with the present invention in the form of a wrist worn version; Figure 5 illustrates the device as it is removed from the wristband; Figure 6 illustrates the device of Figure 5 with the front surface of the device This internal structural diagram is shown as being removed; Figure 7 shows the wristband with the device of Figures 5 and 6 connected.

Methodology Light level is an effective means to distinguish outdoor activities during the day

In our most recent Family Incentive Test (FIT) study, 285 children aged 6-12 years were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=147) or the control group (n=138) [16]. We measured the outdoor and indoor activities of children in Singapore by measuring the light intensity throughout the day using a one-day diary and a portable photometer. The one-week outdoor activity diary was built to track all the activities on weekdays and weekends. The portable photometer includes a light sensor that records the amount and time of exposure to white light illumination every 5 minutes from the beginning to the end of the day, in units of 1 lux (1 lumen per square meter).

In our pilot study, we have found that light levels are an effective means of measuring outdoor activities during the day. A light level threshold, 1000 lx, has been shown to be effective in distinguishing between time spent indoors or outdoors [16]. During the semester and school holidays, it was known from the diary that the average time during the day outdoors was 5.44 h per week and 7.91 hours per week (P = 0.004). According to the photometer, the average time of the light level greater than 1000 lx is weekly. 7.08 hours and 9.81 hours per week (P < 0.001) [16]. Figure 1 depicts the average light level of a child during different daylight and outdoor activities during the day [41]. The indoor light intensity level is very low, most of the time is less than 1000lx, and the outdoor will change, from tens of thousands of xx in the sun to the sky and thousands of lx in the sky.

Wearable activity tracking device encourages behavioral changes

Wearable activity tracking devices, such as pedometers, have recently achieved significant market success. Individuals can periodically check the pedometer's display and track the number of walks they have already walked. There is a daily goal of 10,000 steps, and the pedometer encourages individuals to track their daily activities and motivate them to maintain a healthy level of fitness.

In the same way, parents who are worried that their child will have nearsightedness will most likely want to have a wearable device that can prevent myopia by simply changing the behavior of a child, thus encouraging more outdoor activities.

Description of the invention

Therefore, we have developed a novel wearable device to record, display and encourage a wearer's daytime outdoor activities. The daytime outdoor activity is determined by setting a threshold for the measured illuminance level. The cumulative time of ambient illumination exposed to levels above this threshold level during the day is recorded and displayed. In particular, the threshold used to distinguish between indoor and outdoor lighting is defined as 1000 lx, as we used in recent experimental studies in Singapore [16].

A target value of the accumulated time spent outdoors during the daytime is set to encourage the total amount of outdoor activities during the daytime. In particular, it can be seen from the above-mentioned FIT test that children in Singapore currently spend about 1.5 hours on weekdays and 2.5 hours on weekends [42]. In one embodiment, we set up our device to point out a goal of 3 hours of outdoor outdoors.

The device can also be used in clinical trials to study the effects of outdoor activities on the development of myopia in children and the effects of therapeutic agents or food supplements for treating or preventing myopia in children.

An example of a wearable device

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations in the technical details may be employed to carry out the invention. In particular, some features may be substituted with features having the same effect and/or function. It is worth noting that the present invention includes a wearable device [1] that can record outdoor time to prevent the development of myopia.

The apparatus includes a system based on a microcontroller [2] that reads an illuminance signal from a photosensor [3] through a serial communication bus. Figure 2 shows a system block diagram of the novel device. Using a photo sensor [3], when the detected illuminance is greater than a predetermined threshold (optimally 1000 lx), an illumination signal generated by the photosensor is generated, sampled, averaged ( Reduce random noise) and then write it into a built-in memory [4], with the time, date, and exposure being greater than the established threshold (preferably 1000) The cumulative amount of time spent on the illuminance of lx), in other words, the cumulative amount of time spent outdoors, at a given time interval, for example, during that day.

At the same time, for a user's convenience and feedback, the instant illumination level [5a] and the amount of time [5b] accumulated by the ceiling outdoors are displayed on a small display device [5]. In order to track the date and time [5c], an actual time clock [6] (RTC) is integrated with the device. This RTC [6] makes this recording of the cumulative illumination exposure [5b] possible, and can also be used with this implementation of the associated excitation function in the device. For example, when the outdoor target (preferably 3 hours) of the outdoor time has not been reached, the device provides feedback to the user not through the display, the LED indicator, the audible click, the oscillating device (Vibration feedback) is in other ways [5d]. In addition, the RTC [6] also allows the device to track daylight hours that vary with the seasons and geographic locations. This enables complex incentive strategies to be implemented in which timely user feedback can be provided to encourage outdoor activities. The entire device can be packaged in a wearable form [7], which is very suitable for children. As an example, a version of the device can be packaged in a wrist-worn form [7], as illustrated in Figures 4-7, a wearable sensor device [1]. More details of a particular portion of the wearable device will be given below.

Light sensor module

The light sensing module is composed of a photoelectric element [3], an associated signal conditioning circuit and a serial communication interface (including but not limited to I2C, SMBus, SPI). The photo-electrical sensor [3] is chosen such that its spectral response matches the average response of the human eye well (see, for example, the CIE 2°) Standard Observer [43] or the CIE 10° Standard Observer [44, 45]). Furthermore, the photodetector [3] must be able to distinguish the illuminance values of the light below whether it is below the threshold (eg less than or equal to 1000 lx) or greater than this threshold and thus protect against myopia (eg greater than 1000 lx) . Suitable optical sensors for this device include calibrated photodiodes, optoelectronic transistors, photoresistors, or any other photo-electrical sensor that meets the above requirements. Depending on the selected photo-electrical sensor, signal amplification will be employed [2] before feeding the signal to the microcontroller. For data recording, the photodetector [3] signal is converted to a digital signal using an analog to digital converter (ADC), which is then fed to an input pin [2] on the microcontroller.

Embedded software

The embedded software within the microcontroller is used to integrate all of the components of the device into a unified system. Figure 3 illustrates a flow diagram of one method of implementing such key device features among the embedded software. Key parameters such as the illuminance threshold (THRESHOLD), the sampling interval of the illuminance (SAMPLE_INT), and the number of samples used for averaging (SAMPLES) are all specified in the microcontroller code. The microcontroller samples the signals from the photosensor and calculates an "instant" average illuminance value (AVG_LIGHT). If the illuminance reading changes from below the threshold to above the threshold, the microcontroller triggers an internal timer function (TIMER) and creates a timing object (T) that tracks the illuminance that has continuously exceeded the threshold. how long. The day is higher than the threshold level of illumination The cumulative light exposure time [5b] is also updated and stored in the memory [4] (CUMEXP). In order to record the detailed information, the microcontroller [2] calls a recorded event and the data (DATA, TIME, AVG_LIGHT, CUMEXP) is written to the non-electrical memory [4]. The display information [5a-c] is then updated using the instant illuminance and the accumulated exposure time.

For the case where the instant illuminance is below the threshold, the complete data record can be activated by turning on the "full data mode" (ALL_DATA = TRUE). Alternatively, if it is not required to record data at a low light level, the display device updates with the instant illumination without recording the data. The data logging function can be adjusted according to the requirements of a user. Reducing records can improve battery life while a complete data record is beneficial for clinical research. The TIME and DATE values [5c] can be obtained from the actual time clock [6] for recording and display [5]. If the TIME return value indicates that it is currently midnight, CUMEXP will be reset to zero and then used to track the cumulative exposure of the new day.

Power and management

In order for the device to be wearable and portable [7], a battery power supply [8] is included. The battery [8] used can be single-use or re-chargeable. If a rechargeable battery is used, the power module also includes battery charging and protection circuitry for connection to an external power source. An external DC power source, not an AC-DC adapter connected to one of the power supplies, or a standard 5V power supply from a USB port, can be used to charge the device in other ways. The battery management system further includes a method to calculate the The remaining capacity of the battery to relay the battery life information to a user via the display device. In order to provide a stable voltage level to the periphery of the devices, the required voltage regulator will be implemented. If necessary, the logic level shifter will be employed based on these particular peripheral requirements. To extend battery life, the embedded code can also be used to turn specific peripherals on or off to minimize power consumption. For user convenience, a spare battery (e.g., a button battery) can also be incorporated to maintain execution of the RTC [6] even when the device power is completely turned off. A typical clock backup battery can last for several years, which means that the user does not need to reset the time each time the power is turned off.

Memory and data storage

Non-electrical memory [4] (for example, flash memory or other non-electrical memory) is integrated into the device for data recording purposes. This allows data to be retained in the event that the power is completely cut off (eg, due to battery power). The memory is coupled to the microcontroller [2] through a serial interface to allow for triggering of read and write operations.

User input and feedback

The device includes a push button switch to obtain user input. Specifically, the buttons can be used to set the time and date [5c] on the RTC [6], select the information displayed on the display, and switch between different user modes. In addition, the device includes a client or end user software to allow the use of a personal computer or any other computing unit. To change the device settings. The primary method of user feedback is visual, using a display device [5] (LCD, LED, OLED or other means) on the device. The key information transmitted includes (at a threshold above the threshold level) the cumulative time [5b] of the light illumination, the current time [5c], and the remaining daylight hours. Another form of visual feedback can take the form of the LED backlight on the display device, which corresponds to whether the daily exposure target has been met [5d] (eg, the case of a green backlight indicates that the target has been met, and the red backlight The situation indicates that the target has not been implemented). Other methods of feedback from the user can be combined with, for example, an audible click (eg, using a piezoelectric buzzer) or tactile feedback using vibration from a small motor (requires motor drive circuitry), if desired. .

Computing platform interface and user software

To connect the device to a computing platform (eg, a personal computer), the microcontroller is connected to a serial to USB converter. The user can then use the customer or end user software to access the material that has been recorded in the device. The software facilitates automatic synchronization of data and presentation of data in graphical form. This allows the children and their parents to review the child's amount of outdoor activities during the day and set further improvement goals, if necessary. If the device is used as part of a clinical study, the software can also forward the data to the clinician via email. This reduces the number of erroneous data records compared to studies that use manual diaries for data logging. If necessary, the customization software can be designed such that the recorded data can be stored on a server (eg, cloud storage). Enables seamless synchronization of data across multiple computing platforms (eg, PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.).

In addition to using a USB connection to transfer data from the device, a wireless transceiver can also be used [9]. Several wireless technologies are available, including but not limited to Bluetooth, Infrared (IrDA), Wireless LAN and Zigbee. With a wireless enabled device, a larger number of computing platforms can access the recorded data. For example, a smart phone executing a device end user software can communicate with the device using wireless data transmission.

to sum up

We have developed a method and related wearable portable outdoor target device to prevent myopia. Our installations are novel and, as far as we know, have not been envisioned before. Considering the high prevalence that is considered to be only available in Asia, an unmet need can be addressed through the devices we provide.

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1‧‧‧ Computing System

Claims (30)

A method of treating or preventing myopia by encouraging and increasing the amount of time a person spends outdoors during the day, comprising: a) providing a wearable device to prevent myopia, comprising: at least one The light sensor is adapted to measure light; at least one display device; at least one real time clock (RTC); at least one power source; a non-electrical memory; a microcontroller or microprocessor; and resident in the micro control And/or embedded software in the non-electrical memory; b) setting the embedded software to define a light threshold; c) continuing the light measured by the light sensor beyond the threshold The amount of time is recorded in the memory; d) the embedded software is set to define a specified time interval; e) the accumulated amount of time during which the light exceeds the threshold is recorded in the memory; And f) displaying the cumulative amount of time above the threshold on the display device. The method of claim 1, wherein the time interval is one day or a multiple thereof. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the embedded software is set, or It may be set such that during the time interval, light having a value greater than the threshold is experienced by one of the accumulated time amount target values being defined. The method of claim 3, wherein the target value is displayed on the display device. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the accumulated amount of time is displayed on the display device in part e). The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the portion e) the accumulated amount of time is subtracted from the target value and displayed on the display device. The method of claim 6, wherein the amount of time remaining to reach the target value during the time interval is also displayed on the display device. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light measured by the photo sensor below the threshold value is not recorded in the memory for the amount of time that the light continues to be lower than the threshold value. Discarded, and in the case where it is recorded, the cumulative amount of time that the light continues to fall below the threshold value is recorded in the memory and displayed on the display device during any particular time interval. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the light sensor is adjusted to measure the light selected from a group comprising: white light, UV light, blue light, infrared light Light and any one or more portions of the spectrum, including any combination thereof. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the threshold value, the representative of the indoor light to the outdoor light, is a transition point represented by a point located in the highest interior of at least one selected portion of the visible spectrum Record with Between the lowest outdoor records of the selected portion of the visible spectrum. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the threshold value, the representative of the indoor light to the outdoor light, is selected from a group comprising: 500-5000 lx; 950-1500 lx; It is 1000lx and it is 1000lx. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the target value is between 2 and 4 hours, including all 1 minute intervals therebetween. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the target value is 3 hours. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein an instantaneous light level, the level recorded at the moment of measurement, is displayed on the display device. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the threshold value is displayed on the display device. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the RTC is adjusted to allow the device to track daylight hours regardless of season or geographic location. A method as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the embedded software is configured as shown in FIG. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the device is adapted to communicate with other computing devices. A wearable device for preventing myopia by encouraging and increasing the amount of time a wearer spends outdoors during the day, comprising: a) at least one light sensor adapted to measure light; b) at least one Display device; c) at least one actual time clock (RTC); d) at least one power source; e) a non-electrical memory; f) a microcontroller or microprocessor; and g) an embedded software residing in the microcontroller and/or the non-electrical memory Wherein the embedded software is set, or can be set to define a light threshold value, thereby recording the amount of time that the light sensor measured by the light sensor exceeds the threshold value for a duration of time in the memory and Further wherein the embedded software is set, or can be set such that the accumulated amount of time that light exceeds the threshold in any given time interval is recorded in the memory and displayed on the display device. The wearable device of claim 19, wherein the light sensor is adjusted to measure the light selected from a group comprising: white light, UV light, blue light, infrared light, and Any one or more portions of the spectrum, including any combination thereof. The wearable device of claim 19 or 20, wherein the light sensor comprises a photo-electrical sensor whose spectral response is well matched to the average response of the human eye. The wearable device of claim 20 or 21, wherein the light sensor is capable of distinguishing that the illuminance value is above and/or below the threshold. The wearable device of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the light sensor is selected from a group consisting of or consisting of: calibrating a photodiode, a photovoltaic transistor, and a light sensitive Resistor. The wearable device of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the display device is Set a small screen. A wearable device according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the device comprises an LED indicator, an audible device (click), an oscillating device (vibration) or a haptic device. A wearable device according to any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the power source is a battery that is replaceable or rechargeable. A wearable device according to any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the device comprises a button, a switch or a touch screen control item adjusted to receive user input. A wearable device as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the device is adapted to communicate with other computing devices. A device according to any one of claims 19 to 28, which can be used to prevent or treat myopia. A microcontroller or microprocessor having non-electrical memory, the memory comprising embedded software for performing the method of any of claims 1 to 18.