JP4852763B2 - Light therapy device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a phototherapy device used as a treatment device for diseases and disorders caused by abnormal rhythms of the living body such as seasonal emotional disorder, seasonal depression, or sleep / wake disorder, The present invention relates to a phototherapy device used as a treatment device for the treatment of diabetes and obesity that shows seasonality in which control deteriorates, and more particularly to a phototherapy device that employs a white light emitting diode (white LED) as a light source.

Conventionally, for diseases and disorders such as seasonal emotional disorder and depression, or sleep / wakefulness disorder, the biological rhythm that causes phase reversal, the time zone with phase advance action, for example, dawn, the second half of the night, Furthermore, the effect of a treatment method called phototherapy, in which the phase is advanced and synchronized by irradiating light, has been recognized. Phototherapy includes high-intensity light therapy that irradiates high-intensity light in a time zone with a phase advance action, and pseudo-dawn therapy that mimics the sunshine environment (sunrise time) from late spring to early summer. Various phototherapy devices using a lamp as a light source have been developed.
In addition, patients with seasonal emotional disorders often have eating disorders, and with this, in consultation with patients with seasonal emotional disorders, Physicians have also examined and examined from a medical point of view such as blood glucose level measurement. Under these circumstances, the inventors found that there is a patient whose hemoglobin A1c (= HbA1c) value, which is an important index of diabetes, increases from autumn to winter, among patients who show seasonality in diabetes as well as seasonal emotional disorder. I noticed. Therefore, although not recognized in the medical community, as described above, diabetes showing seasonality, such as deterioration of blood glucose control in winter, among diabetic patients, is defined as seasonal diabetes in this specification. To do.
As a light therapy device for seasonal emotional disorder, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for generating a light environment preferable for human biological rhythm throughout the day as an “illumination system”. In this system, a luminaire capable of obtaining high, medium, and low illuminance light is irradiated with illuminance light corresponding to the time zone of the day, so that it can live in a light-changing environment different from the natural world. It is possible to give an illuminating light that synchronizes with the natural world to a human being, and to generate a favorable light environment for a biological clock called a human biological rhythm.
With this lighting system, it is possible to maintain the natural biological rhythm of human beings.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a device for phototherapy capable of irradiating with high illuminance under the name “high illuminance light irradiation device for phototherapy”. In the present invention, as with the invention of the present application, a technique for increasing the illuminance is disclosed as a phototherapy device for seasonal emotional disorder and seasonal depression.

  Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a “portable light irradiation device” in which a phototherapy device is portable. This portable light irradiating device is provided with a band-shaped light surface fixing portion that can be worn on the body, particularly the head, for adjusting the biological rhythm, and light emitted from a light irradiating device having a small light emitting surface. Irradiates the eyes. Because the light exit surface is provided in front of the eyes, even if it is small, the eye can be illuminated efficiently, and the difference in luminance distribution within the light exit surface can be reduced, so that the patient can feel dazzling Less physical and mental burden for treatment.

Patent Document 4 also discloses a “portable phototherapy device for stimulating the neuroendocrine system” that can carry a phototherapy device, a light source that provides an illuminance of 200 lux, and a light source on a part of a patient's body. A portable phototherapy device having a mounting means for mounting is disclosed.
According to this phototherapy device, it is light and portable, and since it is irradiation for phototherapy for a long time, the light source is positioned away from the patient's eyes so as not to obstruct the patient's visual field. Is to be arranged. Furthermore, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 4, there is a reference to providing a filter or the like designed to shield or screen infrared rays or ultraviolet rays.
On the other hand, for the treatment of diabetes, diet therapy and exercise therapy are common in the initial stage. Diet therapy is a method of calculating the total energy amount as the product of “standard body weight” and “calorie consumption per work per standard body weight” and complying with this total energy amount in the diet. In addition, exercise therapy is to select an exercise that can be done alone and continue as much as possible every day.
Drug therapy includes oral hypoglycemic drugs such as sulfonylurea (SU drug), biguanide (BG drug), α-glucosidase inhibitor (αGI drug), thiazolidine derivatives (TZD drug), insulin There are methods such as subcutaneous injection.
JP 2000-252084 A JP-A-8-150210 JP-A-9-213101 Japanese Patent No. 2513876

  However, although the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 is certainly generated by imitating the light environment of the day using three types of illuminance light, high illuminance light, medium illuminance light, and low illuminance light, The illuminance is a guide and is different from the actual illuminance. Also, especially in seasonal emotional disorders and seasonal depression, it has been known that exposure to a certain amount of intense light when waking up improves the biological rhythm, which is effective for phototherapy. However, the invention disclosed in this conventional technique is a technique related to the way of indoor lighting throughout the day, 24 hours a day, which is not a technique that focuses on treatment, and particularly high-intensity light. There is no description about measures against heat generated by high illuminance light and control of the high illuminance light.

Further, in the conventional technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is possible to irradiate high illuminance light effective for seasonal depression and emotional disorder. In order to realize the high illuminance light, an intake fan In order to stabilize the light output by suppressing the temperature rise in the housing, the heat generation of the light source itself is fundamentally suppressed. However, the degree of light emission cannot be controlled according to the heat generation state. In addition, the apparatus becomes undesirably complicated and large in size by providing a cooling fan.
In addition, a fluorescent lamp is used as the quality of the high illuminance light, and the control of the illuminance is such that some of the six light sources are turned on / off using a delay timer to change the level, There is a problem that the angle of the casing is adjusted by the support shafts provided on both sides of the casing, and that the illuminance is not approximated to the natural environment by controlling the illuminance to the illuminance by actual sunlight.

In Patent Document 3, although it is certainly convenient for carrying, it is highly likely that it will be disturbed as a feeling of use of the subject to be used for waking up from sleep, and it is necessary to wear it. Could be damaged.
The invention disclosed in Patent Document 4 also has the same problem as Patent Document 3.
On the other hand, in the treatment of diabetes, dietary therapy and exercise therapy are basic and important therapies at an early stage, and it is necessary to continue them patiently. These are accompanied by dietary restrictions and exercise. It was often accompanied by exhaustion of physical strength, and had the potential problem that the burden of the patient on execution was large.
In addition, it is necessary to take or inject expensive drugs throughout the life of the drug therapy, or to go to the hospital, which also has a problem that the patient's economic and mental burden is considerably large.
Although it is natural to continue these conventional therapies, if other treatments that are less burdensome for the patient and can be carried out continuously can be used in combination, the curative effect will be more effective than the current treatment alone. The treatment period can be shortened and the treatment period can be shortened, so the treatment can be performed positively while reducing the mental burden and physical burden on the patient. The fact was that it did not exist.

  The present inventors have found the surprising fact that the HbA1c value, which is an indicator of diabetes, is improved by irradiating seasonal diabetic patients with white LED light. The present invention has been made in response to such conventional circumstances and new knowledge, and includes phototherapy for various diseases and disorders based on abnormal biological rhythms such as seasonal emotional disorder and seasonal depression, diabetes, Providing a phototherapy device that is a compact device used especially for phototherapy for seasonal diabetes, and that can achieve a higher effect on healing of abnormal rhythms and diabetes by realizing near-natural illumination. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, a phototherapy device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an illumination unit including a white light emitting diode (white LED), a current control unit, and a voltage setting unit. A dimming unit that adjusts the brightness, a control unit that transmits a control signal to the dimming unit, a storage unit that stores irradiation pattern data, and a luminous intensity that allows the luminous intensity data of the illumination unit to be input to the control unit A light therapy device having a setting unit, wherein the control unit reads the irradiation pattern data from the storage unit or the light intensity data from the light intensity setting unit, and transmits the data to the light control unit as a control signal. The light control unit receives the control signal, sets the voltage to be applied to the illumination unit by the voltage setting unit, and detects the current value supplied to the illumination unit by the current control unit, Maximum power set in advance The light intensity of the illumination unit is adjusted by controlling the current so that the overcurrent does not exceed the value, and the control unit reads and operates the irradiation pattern data, or the control unit reads the light intensity data from the light intensity setting unit The switch can be switched using a switch .
In the phototherapy device having the above-described configuration, the control unit reads the irradiation pattern data from the storage unit and acts as a control signal to the dimming unit. Further, the dimming unit acts to receive the control signal and adjust the luminous intensity of the illumination unit .
In the phototherapy device having the above configuration, the current control unit detects the current value supplied to the illuminating unit in advance in order to prevent overcurrent conduction to the LED caused by fluctuations in the internal resistance characteristics of the white LED. It acts to control the current so as not to cause an overcurrent exceeding the predetermined maximum current value. Further, in the phototherapy device having the above-described configuration, the switch is configured to selectably switch between transmitting the control signal from the control unit using the light intensity setting unit or reading the irradiation pattern data and transmitting the control signal from the control unit. Act on.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the current control unit is configured to detect a current value supplied to the illumination unit, and a current value detected by the resistance unit. The maximum current value is compared, and an amplifier that amplifies the differential current when the current value detected by the resistance unit exceeds the maximum current value, and the amplified differential current is input to the illumination unit And an output variable transistor that feedback-controls an applied voltage .
In the phototherapy device having the above configuration, the resistance unit detects the current value supplied to the illumination unit, the amplifier compares the detected current value with the maximum current value, and differentially amplifies the current from the detected current value and outputs it. The variable transistor has a function of inputting a differentially amplified differential current and applying a potential to the circuit of the illumination unit in reverse, and as a result, feedback controlling the voltage applied to the illumination unit.
In addition, the output variable transistor in this application means the transistor provided with the function which can vary an output voltage, or the circuit containing the transistor. The same applies to the following embodiments.

The phototherapy device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the optical treatment device according to the first or second aspect , wherein the irradiation pattern data is data relating to sunlight from an actual sunrise, and at least illumination data and time It contains data.
In the phototherapy device with the above configuration, since the irradiation pattern data is data related to sunlight from the actual sunrise, it is possible to realize a more realistic sunshine environment, and to simulate the sunshine environment from late spring to early summer at dawn. Act on.
The time data includes data relating to the time length between desired times, such as data relating to the sunrise time, data relating to timing such as data relating to the time corresponding to each illuminance data from sunrise, or the end time of the irradiation pattern from the sunrise time. It is a concept.

The phototherapy device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the light therapy device according to the third aspect of the present invention, further comprising a distance selection unit capable of selecting the distance data from the illumination unit to the user, and the illuminance constituting the irradiation pattern data The data is illuminance data obtained by multiplying actual illuminance data according to the selectable distance data by a predetermined coefficient, and the control unit calculates the coefficient according to the selected distance data. The illuminance data obtained by the multiplication is selected and a control signal is transmitted to the dimming unit.
In the phototherapy device having the above configuration, distance data can be selected, and illumination data obtained by multiplying a predetermined coefficient according to the distance data is provided as irradiation pattern data, and the distance between the user and the illumination unit changes. Even so, it acts to obtain a certain illuminance to the user.

The phototherapy device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the optical therapy device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a distance setting unit capable of inputting distance data from the illumination unit to the user, and the control unit includes the distance data. A control signal corresponding to the above is transmitted to the dimming unit.
In the phototherapy device having the above configuration, the control unit acts to transmit a control signal to the dimming unit based on the distance data input by the distance setting unit. Moreover, the light control part acts so that the voltage setting part may apply the voltage which implement | achieves the illumination intensity according to a user's position, and may adjust the luminous intensity of an illumination part.

In the phototherapy device of the present invention, the light intensity can be automatically adjusted according to the control signal programmed for the white LED.

In the phototherapy device of the present invention , the internal resistance characteristics of the white LED fluctuate by continuing to use the phototherapy device, but the white LED is damaged due to heat generation by preventing an adverse effect such as overcurrent conduction to the LED. Can be prevented. In the first place, since the light therapy device requires high illuminance, normally, a high voltage as long as it does not exceed the specification is applied to the white LED, and the current value is also high. For this reason, if the dimming unit is not provided, the internal resistance of the white LED is reduced, and if the original set voltage is maintained, an overcurrent is generated and an overheated state is caused. Alternatively, it is necessary to set a voltage in consideration of a decrease in the internal resistance.
In addition, the phototherapy device of the present invention maintains the soundness by preventing overheating of the white LED while keeping the applied voltage as high as possible within the specifications, and thus has the characteristic that the white LED has a long life potential. It can be exhibited effectively.

In the optical electric therapy apparatus as claimed in claim 1 of the present invention, the control unit reads the irradiation pattern data from the storage unit, and transmits a control signal to the dimmer illumination of the light therapy device user or the like is manually There is no need to input, set or adjust the luminous intensity or the light irradiation pattern, and the user can easily perform the light treatment by himself.
In addition, by using the irradiation pattern data, the user does not need to manually adjust the light intensity of the phototherapy device, and while preventing the white LED from overheating while making the applied voltage as high as possible within the specifications. It is possible to maintain the soundness and to effectively exhibit the long life characteristic that the white LED potentially has.
Further, by providing a switch, it is possible to switch between manual or automatic selection of whether to transmit a control signal from the control unit using the light intensity setting unit or to read out irradiation pattern data and transmit a control signal from the control unit. It has the effect of being able to. In addition, since selection is possible in this way, there is an effect that it is possible to cope with various phototherapy.
Next, the phototherapy device according to claim 2 of the present invention has the same effect as that of claim 1.

In the phototherapy device according to claim 3 of the present invention, the user can expect a high effect for recovering the natural biological rhythm of human beings by receiving light irradiation with a sunshine pattern that is closer to reality. In particular, the sunshine pattern is the sunshine pattern obtained from the early sunshine from late spring to early summer, and lighting is started from 2 to 3 hours before sunrise regardless of whether the user is sleeping or not. Even when used for pseudo-dawn therapy, the user can easily and automatically obtain an appropriate amount of light without sequentially adjusting the amount of light.

In the phototherapy device according to claim 4 of the present invention, the distance data can be selected, and the illumination data obtained by multiplying a predetermined coefficient in accordance with the distance data is used as the irradiation pattern data. Even if the distance of the illumination unit changes, an effect that a predetermined illuminance necessary for the user's treatment can be obtained can be obtained.

In the phototherapy device according to claim 5 of the present invention, the control unit transmits a control signal corresponding to the distance data to the dimming unit based on the distance data input by the distance setting unit. The luminous intensity of the illumination unit can be adjusted according to the position of the user. Therefore, the user can select and place the phototherapy device at any place, and in such a case, the user can receive phototherapy with a predetermined illuminance. Further, as compared with the invention according to claim 6, the configuration of the phototherapy device is simplified because only one irradiation pattern data as a base is stored in the storage unit, and the distance data is continuously obtained. It is also possible to input, and flexible response to the user's use is possible.

Hereinafter, a phototherapy device according to the best embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Fig.1 (a) is a front view of the phototherapy device concerning this Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a side view.
In FIG. 1, a phototherapy device 1 is provided with a rectangular parallelepiped main body 3 and an illuminating section 2 provided in a rectangular shape via a bellows-like support arm section 4 on the upper part thereof. As will be described in detail later, the main body 3 is provided with a panel-like operation unit 5 on the front surface. The operation unit 5 includes a power switch 6 for turning on / off the main power, and automatic lighting for switching to the automatic lighting mode. Switches such as a switch 7 and a manual lighting switch 8 for switching to the manual lighting mode are provided.
Moreover, the light control volume 9 is provided as a light intensity setting part for adjusting the light intensity of the illumination part 2 at the time of manual lighting mode, and it is possible to adjust light intensity freely by rotating this. The manual lighting mode is a mode in which the user of the phototherapy device 1 turns the dimming volume 9 to adjust the light intensity of the illuminating unit 2, whereas the automatic lighting mode is centered on FIG. The distance setting unit and the timer setting unit are used to input the distance data, the lighting start time, and the lighting end time in advance, and further, actual sunshine pattern data or virtual sunshine pattern data is input. From the lighting start time to the lighting end time, the control unit reads real or virtual sunshine pattern data, generates a control signal based on the sunshine pattern data, and transmits the control signal to the dimming unit 24. In this mode, the illumination unit 2 is turned on and the intensity of the illumination unit 2 is controlled.
In addition, in this application, the luminous intensity in the illumination part 2 and the illumination intensity in a to-be-treated person are distinguished and demonstrated. That is, even when the brightness as the brightness in the illumination unit 2 is the same, if the distance from the patient to the illumination unit 2 is different, the brightness received by the patient is shorter when the distance to the patient is shorter. The illuminance is high.
Further, the operation unit 5 is provided with a distance setting unit 10 and a timer setting unit 11, and a distance display unit 12 and a clock display unit 13 so as to correspond thereto. These functions will be described later with reference to another drawing.
The illuminating unit 2 is configured so that a large number of white LEDs are closely arranged, and the front surface functions as an irradiation surface. The illuminating unit 2 is inclined by the support arm unit 4 so that the angle of the irradiation surface can be freely set. Can be adjusted.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a cross section of the structure of the illumination unit 2. In FIG. 2, the illuminating unit 2 is covered with a casing 26, and a large number of white LEDs 17 are arranged on a printed circuit board 16 provided on a support plate 14 provided on the back side of the inside via a support 15. It is. A circuit is printed on the printed circuit board 16 to supply power to the white LED 17. In order to efficiently cool the generated heat, a gap between the support plate 14 and the support plate 14 is separated from the support plate 14. A printed circuit board 16 is provided to improve the efficiency of heat dissipation by convection. The light emitted from the white LED 17 is transmitted through a transparent cover 18 and a light diffusion filter 20 installed on the transparent cover 18 via a filter fixture 19. It is configured to irradiate the subject with uniform light so as not to appear.
Accordingly, the height of the filter fixture 19 is adjusted so that the luminance distribution does not appear, but the appearance of the luminance distribution varies depending on the luminous intensity of the white LEDs 17 and the arrangement density thereof. It is advisable to devise appropriately such as an adjustable screw type or a plurality of sets of filter fixtures 19 having different heights.
The transparent cover 18 need not be provided, but if there is nothing to cover the white LED 17, dust or the like may enter the interior of the illumination unit 2, thereby causing problems in the printed circuit board 16 or the white LED 17 itself. It is thought that the nature becomes high. Moreover, since it may cause a short circuit or the like and there is a risk of heat generation or ignition, it is considered that a member that covers the white LED 17 to some extent is necessary even if it is not sealed. Note that the surface of the housing 26 on the light diffusion filter 20 side is open, and light from the white LED 17 is directly incident on the light diffusion filter 20 when the cover 18 is not provided.

FIG. 3 is an outline view showing an operation unit of the main body. In FIG. 3, the operation unit 5 of the main body 3 is provided with three types of switches, a power switch 6, an automatic lighting switch 7, and a manual lighting switch 8, which are turned on, switched to the automatic lighting mode, and The switching to the manual lighting mode is as described above.
A dimming volume 9 for increasing or decreasing the luminous intensity of the white LED 17 of the illumination unit 2 is provided at a position adjacent to the manual lighting switch 8.
Therefore, first, when the user is awake, the user to be treated turns on the power switch 6 and then turns on the manual lighting switch 8 to turn on the illumination unit 2. The light intensity can be adjusted as desired by turning the dimming volume 9.
Further, in the phototherapy device 1 according to the present embodiment, not only the person to be treated can manually adjust the light intensity of the illumination unit 2 by the dimming volume 9, but also by pressing the automatic lighting switch 7 in advance. A lighting mode that starts lighting at a desired time and gradually increases the luminous intensity, or a lighting mode that automatically stores the irradiation pattern data obtained by actual measurement in advance and automatically adjusts the luminous intensity while reading it Is also possible.
The light treatment has a high healing effect when exposed to light simulating sunrise from about 2 to 3 hours before the patient wakes up from sleep at night. Therefore, without bothering anyone's hand, The automatic lighting mode that starts operation with only a pre-setting is very convenient. In automatic lighting mode, light is emitted immediately before waking up, so the user cannot directly adjust the treatment start time and illuminance at that time, so it is necessary to set the illuminance and treatment start time appropriately in advance. It is.
For this purpose, a distance setting unit 10 and a timer setting unit 11 and a distance display unit 12 and a clock display unit 13 provided on the upper side of the operation unit 5 shown in FIG. 3 are provided. A description of these parts will be added with reference to FIG. 4 which is an enlarged view thereof.

In FIG. 4, a lower setting unit and an upper display unit are shown, but the lower setting unit functions as the distance setting unit 10 and the timer setting unit 11. First, the function as the distance setting unit 10 will be described.
The distance is set in the distance setting mode. First, when the switch 36 is pressed and held, the distance setting mode is entered, and the display sections 39 and 40 of the distance display section 12 are changed from d-01 to d-04 in order to set the distance. Further, when the switch 36 is pressed, the display changes between d-01 and d-04. The distance between the illumination unit 2 and the patient to be treated is measured in advance, and an appropriate distance between d-01 to d-04 is selected while changing the display by pressing the switch 36. . By selecting the distance in this way, the distance data is input to the control unit of the phototherapy device 1. By inputting the distance in this way, the distance input mode ends.
In the present embodiment, four types of distance data from d-01 to d-04, which are predetermined as distance data, are provided. However, a knob or lever that can be set continuously as the distance setting unit 10 is provided, or the switch 36 is pressed. May be an example in which the distance can be set continuously, or an example in which distance data can be input.
In these embodiments, the light intensity of the illumination unit 2 in the automatic lighting mode is changed according to the distance data so as to decrease the light intensity when the distance is short and increase the light intensity when the distance is long. The illuminance received by the camera approaches a value appropriate for light therapy.

  In the present embodiment, the distance setting unit 10 is used to input the distance data to adjust the illuminance. However, the distance setting unit 10 is used as the distance / illuminance setting unit, and the distance data is used. Alternatively, the illuminance data may be input independently.

Next, the function as the timer setting unit 11 will be described.
In FIG. 4, in order to set the timer, the switch 35 of the clock display unit 13 starts blinking by long-pressing the switch 35. With this, the lighting start time settable mode is entered. When the switch 37 is pressed, the number of the “hour” display unit 39 increases, the number becomes 23, and when the switch 37 is further pressed, the number returns to 0. The “hour” of the lighting start time is set. After that, the setting of the display unit 40 of “minutes” is performed by pressing the switch 36. However, when this switch 36 is also pressed in the same manner as the switch 37, the number increases, and when it is further pressed, it returns to 0. Set the “minute” of lighting start time. When the lighting start time is set and the switch 35 is pressed, the lighting start time setting mode ends and the lighting end time setting mode is entered. The end time is set in the same manner as the lighting start time, and finally the switch 35 is pressed to end the lighting end time setting mode. By such an operation, the lighting start time and the lighting end time can be set.
Finally, time adjustment using the timer setting unit 11 and the clock display unit 13 will be described. When the switch 37 is pressed for a long time, the display unit 39 and the display unit 40 of the clock display unit 13 blink, and the time adjustment mode is entered. As with the timer setting, the hour and minute are adjusted with the switches 37 and 36, the time is adjusted, and the setting time is confirmed as the current time by pressing the switch 35 for setting and displayed on the clock display unit 13. . At this time, although not displayed at the moment of pressing the switch 35, “seconds” is set to zero. The time adjustment mode is thus completed.

Next, description is added about the phototherapy device based on this Embodiment, referring FIG. FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram of the phototherapy device. 5, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
The light treatment device 1 is roughly composed of the illumination unit 2 and the main body 3 as described above, and the illumination unit 2 promotes diffusion of the light source unit 29 and the LED light 30 composed of the white LEDs 17. The light diffusion filter 20 for preventing the patient from being dazzled is provided, and the main body 3 transmits a control signal to the light control unit 24 for adjusting the light intensity of the illumination unit 2 and the light control unit 24. And a control power source 23 for supplying power to the control unit 21, and an operation unit 5 for the patient to operate.
The operation unit 5 is provided with switches, setting units, and a display unit as described with reference to FIGS. The setting for the phototherapy device 1 performed using the operation unit 5 is input to the control unit 21 as a signal (data).
For example, when the power switch 6 is first turned on and the manual lighting switch 8 is pressed, the control unit 21 grasps the light intensity data set by the current dimming volume 9 as an output, and the control signal is the voltage of the dimming unit 24. It is transmitted to the setting unit 27. The voltage setting unit 27 receives the control signal, and sets the applied voltage to the light source unit 29 supplied from the light source power source 25 so that the light intensity of the light source unit 29 corresponds to the control signal from the control unit 21. To do.
Further, the current control unit 28 of the light control unit 24 is for compensating for a risk of fluctuation of the current value due to the cause of heat generation of the light source unit 29.

Here, a description of the current control unit 28 will be added with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a system configuration around the current control unit 28.
Since the phototherapy device 1 is used for a long time to some extent, the internal resistance of the white LED 17 due to the heat generated by the light source unit 29 of the illumination unit 2 is likely to decrease. Becomes higher and changes to the side where the luminous intensity increases. Therefore, in the phototherapy device 1 according to the present embodiment, a resistor 58 is provided to detect the current supplied to the light source unit 29, and the value of the current flowing through the resistor 58 is read to the light source unit 29. A current control unit 28 for controlling the supplied current is provided. The current control unit 28 includes an output variable transistor 56 and an operational amplifier 57 in addition to the resistor 58. The current control unit 28 detects a current value flowing through the resistor 58 and prevents the current LED and the white LED 17 from being damaged. The maximum current value is compared, the differential current is amplified using the differential amplification function of the operational amplifier 57 so as not to exceed the maximum current value, and the voltage of the light source power supply 25 applied to the light source unit 29 is changed to the white LED 17. The output variable transistor 56 applies a potential to perform feedback control so as to compensate so that the current flowing through the transistor falls within a predetermined range.
By providing the current control unit 28 in this way, it is possible to prevent overcurrent and overheating with respect to the set voltage due to fluctuations in the internal resistance of the white LED 17. Further, by preventing overcurrent and overheating, it is possible to effectively exhibit the characteristic of the potential long life provided by the white LED 17.
As described above, it has been described that the current control unit 28 of the light control unit 24 can control the current supplied to the light source unit 29, that is, the voltage applied to the light source unit 29.

Next, returning to FIG. 5, the function of the automatic lighting mode of the phototherapy device 1 executed by pressing the automatic lighting switch 7 will be described.
By turning on the power switch 6 and then turning on the automatic lighting switch 7, the automatic lighting mode becomes possible. Prior to the automatic lighting mode, setting must be performed using the distance setting unit 10 and the timer setting unit 11 of the operation unit 5. The description has already been given with reference to FIG. 4. First, the distance setting unit 10 is used to select the distance data between the illumination unit 2 of the phototherapy device 1 and the user to be treated. Do.
Next, the white LED lighting start time and lighting end time for treatment are set using the timer setting unit 11.
Finally, the automatic lighting switch 7 is pressed to start the automatic lighting mode. However, the automatic lighting switch 7 does not need to be pressed only immediately before the start of the automatic lighting mode. The automatic lighting switch 7 is pressed first, and the distance setting unit 10 and the timer setting unit 11 are used to start the distance data and lighting start. The automatic lighting mode may be started by inputting the time and the lighting end time.
In the automatic lighting mode, actual sunshine pattern data is stored in the dimming pattern data storage unit 22, and sunshine pattern data is obtained so that appropriate illuminance can be obtained in accordance with distance data input in advance by the distance setting unit 10. Virtual sunshine pattern data obtained by multiplying a predetermined coefficient is prepared, and these are also stored in the dimming pattern data storage unit 22.
That is, the sunshine obtained by multiplying the illuminance data of the sunshine pattern data actually measured so as to have the necessary light intensity by multiplying the illuminance data by the coefficient with respect to the four types of distance data d-01 to d-04 determined in advance. Pattern data is stored in the dimming pattern data storage unit 22, which is read by the control unit 21 and transmits a control signal to the voltage setting unit 27 of the dimming unit 24 so as to set the voltage over time.
In the present embodiment, four types of distance data are provided in advance and selected, but the distance data may be continuously input as a digital value from the distance setting unit 10 (modified example).
Furthermore, as described above, when the distance setting unit 10 is used as the distance / illuminance setting unit and the illuminance data is input independently of the distance data, the distance / illuminance setting unit The illuminance data may be transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit may calculate the luminous intensity of the light source unit from the distance data and the illuminance data, and transmit a control signal corresponding to the luminous intensity to the dimming unit. In addition, the time data is added to the distance data and the illuminance data, and the time data is stored in advance in a dimming pattern data storage unit, which will be described later, so that the control unit reads the automatic data using the automatic lighting switch 7. A lighting mode is also possible.

If it is possible to input arbitrary distance data in this way, it is not possible to cope with the illuminance data of the sunshine pattern data by multiplying the illuminance data in advance, so that only the actually measured sunshine pattern is stored in the dimming pattern data storage unit 22. In addition, the control unit 21 transmits a control signal to the voltage setting unit 27 of the dimming unit 24 so that the light emitted to the user is constant according to the distance data. That is, the embodiment in which the distance data is selectively input controls the light control unit 24 via the illuminance data of the sunshine pattern data, whereas in the present modified example, the control unit 21 responds to the distance data. The dimmer 24 is directly controlled by the signal.
Here, a description of the roles and effects related to the sunshine pattern data will be added. This phototherapy device treats (synchronizes) diseases based on biological rhythm shifts (desynchronization) such as seasonal emotional disorder and circadian rhythm sleep disorder. For users with such a shift in biological rhythm, reduced motivation and strong sleepiness are also associated with symptoms, so the user must wake up in front of the phototherapy device at dawn, especially in the early morning in cold winter. High-illumination light therapy that sits on the floor and is exposed to light is difficult to continue every day when the user's own motivation is low, and as a result, there is a problem that it does not lead to improvement of symptoms. Regardless of the intensity of motivation, pseudo-dawn therapy that uses sunlight pattern data from the sleep before waking up and begins to be exposed to light becomes more effective at the time of demodulating biological rhythm.

Therefore, the gradually increasing illuminance data for automatically realizing such a lighting mode increases gradually in advance as shown in FIG. 7 based on data obtained by actually measuring the illuminance of the sun that is inserted into the window. It is configured.
In FIG. 7, the vertical axis indicates the illuminance received by the patient, and the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time (minutes) after the phototherapy device 1 operates. In this embodiment, the illuminance is observed after 20 minutes, but the start time can be appropriately set in advance.
In addition, the phototherapy device 1 according to the present embodiment adopts a white LED as a light source, and thus resembles the light spectrum of the morning sun in that the blue spectrum is strong in the wavelength spectrum distribution of the light that the user bathes. Therefore, the user can feel light closer to natural light.

Here, the graph which draws the spectrum of the light radiated | emitted from a various light source in FIG. 8 is shown. In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis indicates the wavelength (nm), and the vertical axis indicates the relative intensity. Reference numerals 51, 52, 53, and 54 indicate a white LED spectrum, a fluorescent lamp spectrum, a sunlight spectrum, and a krypton sphere spectrum, respectively.
It is considered that the white LED spectrum 51 is closer to the sunlight spectrum 53 than the fluorescent lamp spectrum 52 and the krypton sphere spectrum 54, and the user can feel light closer to nature. Further, in the fluorescent lamp spectrum 52, as indicated by reference numeral 55, an ultraviolet spectrum 55 from the fluorescent lamp is seen.
In the phototherapy device according to the present embodiment, using the white LED having such a spectral characteristic, in addition to the data regarding the gradually increasing luminous intensity, the actual sunshine pattern data measured at a certain point in time Can be read out as data, faithfully reproduced, and closer to natural light changes.
Furthermore, the sunshine pattern data multiplied by the coefficient is also stored in the dimming pattern data storage unit 22 so that it is possible to select one having a light intensity lower than the actual one or conversely a high light intensity, and according to the user's condition. It was made selectable.

FIG. 9 also shows illuminance data when such sunshine pattern data and sunshine pattern data multiplied by a coefficient are used. The sunshine pattern data 50a is obtained by reproducing actual sunshine data from sunrise in the early morning in the vicinity of the spring equinox. By using a sunlight pattern that is close to nature, treatment can be performed in a state closer to actual morning light, and adjustment of biological rhythm is also effective. The sunshine pattern data 50b to 50h are obtained by multiplying the original sunshine pattern data 50a by coefficients of 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/6, 1/7, 1/8. It is data that can realize high illuminance. The coefficients of 1/2 to 1/8 are coefficients determined by the selectable distance data. In this way, by providing a plurality of sunshine pattern data 50b to 50h in order to make the illuminance of light irradiated to the user constant in advance, a constant illuminance can be obtained even when the distance between the user and the illumination unit changes. , Flexibility will be born in the place of treatment and the posture of the user.
However, the present invention is not particularly limited to these. For example, a coefficient larger than 1 may be used regardless of distance data, and a coefficient smaller than 1/8 may be used. Thus, by preparing data obtained by multiplying the original data by various coefficients irrespective of the distance data, the data can be selected in accordance with the severity of the symptom. Further, since the data is obtained by multiplying the original data by a coefficient, the tendency of the change is the same.

These sunshine pattern data 50a to 50h are provided with at least illuminance data and time data corresponding to realization of illuminance based on the illuminance data. However, in order to match the region and season in which the phototherapy device 1 is used, You may make it provide latitude data and time data. For example, in the case of latitude data, the illuminance differs between north latitude 30 ° and north latitude 40 °. Therefore, if this latitude data is included in advance, it is possible to select one having data close to that used by the patient. Good. Also, for example, the season is divided into 4 or 12 categories, such as spring, summer, autumn and winter, or from January to December. It may be possible.
Alternatively, these latitude data and / or time data are provided in the operation unit 5 so as to be inputable, and the control unit 21 controls the original sunshine pattern data 50a stored in the dimming pattern data storage unit 22 in advance. Is calculated as a coefficient to generate a control signal, and it is not necessary to store a lot of sunshine pattern data 50a, which is convenient.
In the present embodiment, the sunshine pattern data based on actual measurements in a certain region in the late spring and the sunshine pattern data obtained by multiplying the coefficient by this factor are used. For example, by using the sunshine pattern data of the actual sunrise, the illuminance pattern data that gradually increases, etc. Illuminance pattern data obtained empirically may be used. In addition, a setting unit or a selection unit that directly selects illuminance pattern data including the sunshine pattern data may be provided. In that case, the data is also stored in the dimming pattern data storage unit 22. Good.

The control unit 21 reads out such data and transmits it as a control signal to the voltage setting unit 27 of the dimming unit 24 as described above, and the voltage setting unit 27 determines the voltage applied to the light source unit 29 along the signal. Set. However, as described above, the internal resistance of the white LED 17 decreases due to heat generation. Therefore, in the case of setting a high illuminance, it is necessary to use the current control unit 28 as in the manual lighting mode. .
In the automatic lighting mode in the above-described modified embodiment, distance data is input using the distance setting unit 10, and the control unit 21 also transmits a control signal to the dimming unit 24 regarding this distance data. . That is, as the distance between the illumination unit 2 and the user is shorter, the set voltage applied to the light source unit 29 is lower. For the LED light 30 generated by the light source unit 29, the relationship between the light intensity on the surface of the illumination unit 2 and the illuminance to the user is determined based on a predetermined distance. Therefore, by including the distance data in the control signal, the relationship between the light intensity and the illuminance can be corrected by the distance, and more appropriate illuminance can be continuously realized for the subject. It becomes.

In the modified example of the present embodiment, distance data is input by the distance setting unit 10, but even if the manual lighting switch 8 is pressed to enter the manual lighting mode, the distance data is input. By making it possible to input data, it is possible to realize an appropriate illuminance by correcting the distance between the illuminating unit 2 and the subject even during manual operation. This is a case where, for example, when the optimum illuminance in a certain light treatment is determined, the light intensity in the illuminating unit 2 is determined using distance data in order to realize the illuminance.
Further, in the automatic lighting mode, it is possible to control the actual irradiation operation time by inputting the irradiation start time and end time using the timer setting unit 11.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an example in which a slide arm is employed in the phototherapy device according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 10A is a conceptual diagram of a phototherapeutic device that employs two sliding arms, and FIG. 10B is a conceptual diagram of a phototherapeutic device that employs one sliding arm.
10A, a phototherapy device 60a includes a main body 62a and an illumination unit 61a. As shown in the figure, a support arm 63a provided on the main body 62a via a support shaft 68a during use. The slidable arm portion 64a is extended to be used while adjusting the elevation angle so that the illumination surface 67a faces an appropriate direction around the support shaft 69a.
During normal use, the support arm 63a is tilted to the side of the main body 62a, the sliding arm 64a is shortened, and the illumination surface 67a of the illumination unit 61a faces the main body upper surface 66a. It can be stored so as to protect the illumination surface 67a. Moreover, since it is small and can be folded compactly, a phototherapy device excellent in portability, portability, and storage property can be realized.
The phototherapy device 60a can be operated by an operation unit 65a provided on the front surface of the main body 62a, and a power switch 70a, an adjustment knob 72a, or a display unit 71a is provided.

On the other hand, the phototherapy device 60b shown in FIG. 10 (b) is composed of an illumination unit 61b and a main body unit 62b, similar to the phototherapy device 60a shown in (a). The phototherapy device 60a has two support arm portions 63a and two slide type arm portions 64a, whereas the present embodiment is different in that it has one each. Further, when the single support arm portion 63b and the slide type arm portion 64b are tilted, the main body upper surface 66b of the main body portion 62b is previously provided with a recess so as to accommodate them. By providing such a recess, there is no protrusion around the phototherapy device 60b when not in use, and storage is convenient.
In this embodiment, a support shaft 68b (not shown) is provided at the end of the support arm portion 63b on the main body portion 62b side, and the support arm portion 63b and the slide arm portion 64b can rotate around this. It is. Further, the main body upper surface 66b is provided with a recess so as to accommodate a support shaft 69b provided so that the angle of the illumination surface 67b can be adjusted.
Similarly, an operation unit 65b is provided on the front surface of the main body 62b, and includes a power switch 70b, a display unit 71b, and an adjustment knob 72b.
Although the slide-type arm portions 64a and 64b are driven, a small and high-torque stepping motor or the like is built in the main body portions 62a and 62b, and the support arm portions 63a and 63b are rotated by rotating the motor by a predetermined number of steps. Or a small high-torque motor capable of driving the slide-type arm portions 64a and 64b using a rack and a pinion, for example, or retractable. You may make it pull out or accommodate. Further, in the case of motor drive, by setting the timer, the irradiation start time, the irradiation end time, the angles of the illumination surfaces 67a and 67b, the illuminance, etc. are input in advance, and the illumination surfaces 67a and 67b are closed. While the support arm portions 63a and 63b are rotated by the motor around the support shafts 68a and 68b, the slide type arm portions 64a and 64b extend, and the illumination surfaces 67a and 67b are driven by another motor around the support shafts 69a and 69b. Automatic control that opens may be possible.
As described above, according to the phototherapy device that employs such a sliding arm, it is possible to close the illumination surfaces 67a and 67b when not in use, and there is an advantage that the storage is easy. Because of the compactness of such a phototherapy device, users do not have any trouble as long as they set the operation mode before going to sleep and place it at the bedside without having to choose an installation location. In addition, the user can surely perform the light treatment at home, and even in the cold of winter, he gets up from the futon in the morning and puts it in the illumination part of the light treatment device. Compact when you are freed from the burden of treatment, such as facing each other, so that you can continue the phototherapy by yourself and have a great effect and you do not need to use a phototherapy device Taking advantage of this, there is also an advantage that it is easy to carry and store.

Further, a phototherapy method using the phototherapy device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The phototherapy method using the phototherapy device 1 according to the present embodiment has a healing effect not only for diseases and disorders such as seasonal emotional disorder and depression, or sleep-wakefulness disorder, but also for diabetes, particularly seasonal diabetes. There is something.
FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are flowcharts showing the steps of the phototherapy method using the phototherapy device 1. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a light treatment process of high-illumination light therapy, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a light treatment process of pseudo-dawn therapy. FIGS. 13A and 13B are conceptual diagrams showing how the patient 81 is performing phototherapy using the phototherapy device 1. FIG. 13A shows a state in which the patient 81 is irradiated with the white LED light 83 from the phototherapy device 1 installed on the upper surface of the table 84 while the patient 81 is sitting on the chair 85. On the other hand, FIG. 13B shows a state in which the patient 81 lies on his back on the mat 82 and the white light 83 is irradiated with the phototherapy device 1 installed behind the head.

In FIG. 11, in step S <b> 1 of the high illuminance light therapy, the phototherapy device 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the like is placed in front of the subject's eye as shown in FIG. 13A. In FIG. 13A, it is installed on the upper surface of the table 84, but it may be installed on the floor or the like, and the installation location is not limited.
After installation, in step S2, after the white LED 17 is turned on, light with an illuminance of, for example, 4000 lux (lx) to 5000 lux (lx) is exposed.
Specifically, the patient 81 sitting in front of the phototherapy device 1 turns on the white LED 17 of the illuminating unit 2 of the phototherapy device 1 by turning on the manual lighting switch 8 after the power switch 6 and adjusting the light. The light volume 9 is used to increase the illuminance from 4000 lux (lx) to 5000 lux (lx). If the volume is set from the beginning, the above adjustment work is not necessary.
In step S3, after the illuminance is increased from 4000 lux (lx) to 5000 lux (lx), the patient 81 is irradiated for about 1 hour and then turned off.
Note that the patient 81 can also set the lighting start time and the lighting end time using the timer setting unit 11 provided in the phototherapy device 1 in advance. By using the timer setting unit 11, it is not necessary for the patient 81 to forget the time or remember to turn off the light, and the white LED light 83 for one hour is automatically used using the timer. It is possible to execute the irradiation accurately.

Next, the treatment process of pseudo-dawn therapy will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 (b).
In FIG. 12, in step S <b> 1 of pseudo-dawn therapy, the phototherapy device 1 is installed at the bedside of the patient 81 before going to bed as shown in FIG. 13B. At that time, the power switch 6 and the automatic lighting switch 7 are turned on in advance, and the automatic lighting mode is set as described with reference to FIG. The distance setting unit 10 is used to select the distance data between the illuminating unit 2 of the phototherapy device 1 and the patient 81, and the timer setting unit 11 is used to consider the sunrise time while taking a few points from sunrise. Set to light up before the time. The dimming pattern data storage unit 22 stores actual sunshine pattern data, and the illuminance is adjusted to an appropriate illuminance for the pseudo-dawn therapy according to the distance data selected by the distance setting unit 10. Yes.
In step S2, the phototherapy device 1 that has completed the setting in step S1 starts lighting from the vicinity of the sunrise time by demonstrating the timer function. As described above, the vicinity of the sunrise time means from a few hours before the sunrise time to the sunrise time. It does not always have to be lit from a few hours before the sunrise time, and may be lit one hour before or just before sunrise. However, since it is desirable that the illuminance increase be approximated to the phenomenon of sunrise as much as possible, it is desirable to approximate the phenomenon of brightening gradually before sunrise.
In the phototherapy device 1 according to the present embodiment, the case where the lighting start time and the lighting end time are set has been introduced. However, the light therapy device 1 is simply turned on after a predetermined time from the input of the switch, and then gradually reduces the illuminance. An automatic lighting mode or an automatic lighting timer that gradually increases may be used. In that case, it is desirable to have a function capable of setting the time from switch input to lighting.

In step S3, the intensity of the white LED light 83 of the phototherapy device 1 is gradually increased. The illuminance is gradually increased to about 300 lux (lx) finally (step S4). 300 lux is an example, and it is desirable to increase or decrease while adjusting the maximum value from 100 lux to about 1000 lux according to the symptoms of the patient 81 and the like. Therefore, not only the illuminance appropriate for the pseudo-dawn therapy is adjusted according to the distance data selected using the distance setting unit 10, but also the illuminance of the gradually increased white LED light 83 can be set manually. It is even better to have it.
Thereafter, in step S4, the patient 81 is irradiated with the white LED light 83 for 60 to 120 minutes after sunrise, and then turned off. In the state where the white LED light 83 is irradiated to the patient 81 for 60 to 120 minutes from sunrise, the temperature is finally raised to about 300 lux.
During this time, the patient 81 is in a sleep state. However, when the user is awakened by irradiation with the white LED light 83, it is not necessary to wake up and receive the white LED light 83, but the white LED light 83 is used. May be continuously received as it is.
In the state of FIG. 13 (b), since the patient 81 is in a supine posture, it is considered suitable for pseudo-dawn therapy, but is not particularly limited to pseudo-dawn therapy, It can also be applied to high illumination light therapy.
Moreover, in the phototherapy device 1 which concerns on this Embodiment, it can utilize as the phototherapy device 1 provided with the illumination part 2 which used white LED17 for high illumination intensity light therapy or pseudo dawn therapy in this way. This treatment method is effective not only for diseases and disorders such as seasonal emotional disorder and depression, or sleep-wake disorder, but also for diabetes, particularly seasonal diabetes.

  Next, examples of actually treating a diabetic patient using the phototherapy device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Tables 1 to 4 and FIGS. 14 to 19. There are two patients, hereinafter referred to as patient A and patient B.

FIG. 14 shows the seasonal variation of the hemoglobin A1c value of patient A who has a type II diabetes calendar around 10 years. In the lower part of the graph, the dose of drug (insulin) administered as a medication therapy to patient A is also shown.
For this patient A, 60 units of insulin (= self-injection) were administered until around September 2005 in order to keep blood glucose control well. However, obesity and arteriosclerosis, which are side effects of insulin, have progressed. In view of this, it is desired to administer a small amount as much as possible.
The basic treatment for this patient A was pseudo-dawn therapy, which started lighting at 4:30 and then turned off at 6 o'clock. The maximum illumination was set to about 80 minutes after lighting. For example, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, this time setting is considered to correspond to the sunshine environment in the beginning of May. In Tokyo, the sunrise time is about 40 minutes earlier than in Yamaguchi Prefecture, so it is advisable to set the lighting start time to about 3:50.
The vertical shaded area is in the winter season (approximately from October to March), and the hemoglobin A1c level tends to increase in the winter season of 2003, winter season of 2004, and winter season of 2005, but in the winter season of 2006 (December 2006) From the start of the use of the phototherapy device, the insulin dose has been reduced to 50 units or less. From the viewpoint of the insulin dose, the hemoglobin A1c value is likely to increase. Compared to the trend, it can be said that the hemoglobin A1c value tends to decrease beyond the expected range of fluctuations in the hemoglobin A1c value.

On the other hand, FIG. 15 shows seasonal variations in hemoglobin A1c values of other patients B. For patient B, amaryl was administered as a medication. The basic treatment for patient B is the same as that for patient A.
In FIG. 15, as in FIG. 14 shown for patient A, the vertical shaded area corresponds to the winter season (approximately from October to March), and the hemoglobin A1c value tends to increase in both the winter season of 2003 and the winter season of 2004. In the winter of 2005 and the winter of 2006, the difference from the summer is small. Patient A has a low value in summer and a high value in winter, but patient B shows a high value of about 8% throughout the year in 2005 and 2006.
However, after starting to use the phototherapy device at the end of the winter season of 2006 (December 27, 2006), the hemoglobin A1c level continued from January 23, February 20, 2007 to March 20, 2007. Can be seen to be on a decreasing trend.
In particular, the value of 6.6 [%] on March 20 is such a low value that it was not measured even in the summer in FY2005 and FY06, and hemoglobin after phototherapy was applied. The decrease in the A1c value is considered to be outside the expected range of variation in patient B as well.
In addition, although the transition of the weight of the patient B is shown in FIG. 15, after starting this phototherapy, the weight has decreased from about 54 kg to 52 kg about one month later. Although patient A is not shown in FIG. 14, the body weight has decreased from approximately 67 kg to 65 kg after about one month since the phototherapy was started in the same manner.

Here, the hemoglobin A1c will be described. Hemoglobin A1c (= HbA1c) is hemoglobin to which glucose is bound, and the percentage value in peripheral blood is emphasized as an index for normal blood glucose control in diabetic patients.
The blood sugar level, which is one of the indicators of diabetes, is strongly affected by the latest dietary conditions, so the value fluctuates sharply. Furthermore, both fasting blood glucose and occasional blood sugar (= blood sugar other than fasting) Since blood sugar levels are overstretched, such as forcing them to restrict their meals prior to blood glucose measurement, and patients may report to the doctor too much or too little of their dietary conditions before blood glucose measurement, It is not very reliable as an indicator of.
On the other hand, the hemoglobin A1c value reflects the average blood glucose state for the past 1 to 1.5 months with reference to the measurement time, and is less affected immediately before the measurement of the blood glucose related index. And is also accepted as a management index by diabetes specialists. In addition to this, there are other factors such as glycoalbumin level as an index for the treatment of diabetes, but unclear points remain. On the other hand, the hemoglobin A1c level is 4.3-5 for normal values (= appropriate values) for healthy subjects. 8%, and diabetic complications do not progress if the hemoglobin A1c value can be kept below 6.5% in diabetic patients. It also has the advantage that it can be utilized and encourages treatment, so it is generally accepted as a medical policy.
Therefore, also in this embodiment, this hemoglobin A1c value is adopted as an index for blood glucose control.

Here, it returns to description of an Example.
Table 1 summarizes data relating to patient A shown in FIG. 14, and Table 2 summarizes data relating to patient B shown in FIG. 15.

The data shown in Table 1 and Table 2 are divided into summer (April to September) and winter (October to March), and the average values for each year are shown in Table 3 and Table 4, respectively.
However, Table 3 does not include data for December 12, 2006, January 9, 2007, February 7, and March 17, 2006. In Table 4, data for January 23, 2007, February 20, 2007 and March 20, 2007 are not included. This is because the data are after the phototherapy. That is, the data shown in Tables 3 and 4 are data until phototherapy is performed.

FIG. 16 is a histogram showing data on the patient A shown in Table 3. That is, the summer and winter periods from 2003 to 2006 are arranged from the left. FIG. 17 is a graph in which the data shown in Table 3 is expressed separately by a broken line in summer and winter.
On the other hand, FIG. 18 is a histogram showing data on the patient B shown in Table 4. That is, the summer and winter periods from 2003 to 2006 are arranged from the left. FIG. 19 is a graph in which the data shown in Table 4 is represented by a separate line for summer and winter.
As is apparent from Tables 3 and 4 and FIGS. 16 to 19, it can be understood that the hemoglobin A1c values of patients A and B are low in summer and high in winter. Such diabetes is defined as seasonal diabetes as described above.
The difference between seasonal and non-diabetic patients is not well understood. However, since the average hemoglobin A1c value in winter is higher than the summer average, seasonal diabetic patients are in a hyperglycemic state, which seems to be at a high risk of developing diabetic complications. Therefore, it is considered that the hemoglobin A1c value should be as close to the normal value as possible even from autumn to spring.

In the case of this patient A, the hemoglobin A1c value of 6.5 [%] or less, in which the above-mentioned diabetic complications do not progress, has not been reached.
However, as a result of performing pseudo-dawn therapy using the phototherapy device 1 according to this embodiment from December 7, 2006, as shown in Table 1, the hemoglobin A1c value is 7.0 on December 12. Furthermore, on January 9th, it is 6.4, which is below the target value of 6.5 [%], which is assumed to prevent progression of diabetic complications. The measured value of this patient A is also measured on February 7 and March 17, and the hemoglobin A1c values are 6.1 [%] and 6.0 [%], respectively, and continue to decrease to normal values. I'm approaching.
This value of 6.4 is the lowest value (same as the value of August 14, 2005) as well as the value in the winter season from 2003 to 2006, including the value in the summer season. Moreover, as is clear with reference to FIG. 14, it is considered to have a very significant meaning because it is the lowest value while the dose of insulin is gradually decreasing from the winter of 2005. That is, it can be said that the phototherapy method using the phototherapy device 1 according to the present embodiment was able to relieve the symptoms of a diabetic patient or exert a healing effect.

On the other hand, in the case of patient B, according to the conventional treatment method, it is not less than 6.5 [%] of the hemoglobin A1c value that the above-mentioned diabetic complication does not progress except in the summer of 2004. In particular, the average value in winter shows a value exceeding 8 [%] (Table 4), and it is considered that the medical condition is more serious than patient A.
However, as a result of performing pseudo-dawn therapy using the phototherapy device 1 according to the present embodiment from December 27, 2006, as shown in Table 2, on January 23, the hemoglobin A1c value was 8.2. Furthermore, on February 20, it decreased to 7.4, and on March 20, it reached almost the same value as the target value 6.5 [%] that diabetes complications do not progress to 6.6. It has become. It is understood that this is reduced to almost the same level as that of patient A.

  Since the phototherapy using the present phototherapy device 1 is a treatment using light, it does not require any medication, and the patient himself can easily perform without any doctor's attendance. The burden is small, and it can be easily combined with other treatments for diabetes continuously, so that diabetes can be cured at an early stage, or the progression of complications can be effectively stopped. Further, in the pseudo-dawn therapy, since the treatment subject is performed from sleeping to awakening, it can be easily adapted to life and high continuity can be expected.

  As described above, the invention described in claims 1 to 10 of the present invention is a disease or disorder caused by abnormal rhythm of a living body such as seasonal depression, emotional disorder or sleep / wake disorder, As a treatment device for diabetes, particularly seasonal diabetes, or obesity, it can be used in a medical institution, and in particular, it can be used at a treated person's home because of its excellent portability. It can also be used widely in educational institutions and nursing institutions.

(A) is a front view of the phototherapy device concerning this embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a side view. It is a conceptual diagram which shows typically the cross section of the structure of the illumination part of the phototherapy device concerning this Embodiment. It is an external view which shows the operation part of the main body of the phototherapy device concerning this Embodiment. It is an external view which expands and shows the setting part and display part of the operation part of the main body of the phototherapy device concerning this Embodiment. It is a system configuration figure of the phototherapy device concerning this embodiment. It is a circuit diagram which shows the system configuration | structure around the electric current control part of the phototherapy device concerning this Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the luminous intensity data which increase gradually employ | adopted in the phototherapy device concerning this Embodiment. It is a graph which draws the spectrum of the light emitted from various light sources. It is a graph which shows the illumination intensity data at the time of using the sunshine pattern data employ | adopted in the phototherapy device which concerns on embodiment, and the sunshine pattern data which multiplied the coefficient. (A) is a conceptual diagram of the phototherapy device which employ | adopted two slide type arms, (b) is a conceptual diagram of the phototherapy device which employ | adopted one slide type arm. It is a flowchart which shows the light treatment process of high illumination intensity light therapy. It is a flowchart which shows the light treatment process of pseudo dawn therapy. (A) And (b) is a conceptual diagram which shows a mode that the to-be-treated person is performing phototherapy using a phototherapy device, respectively. The seasonal fluctuation | variation of the hemoglobin A1c value of the patient A is shown. The seasonal fluctuation | variation of the hemoglobin A1c value of the patient B is shown. 4 is a histogram showing data on patient A shown in Table 3. It is the graph which expressed the data regarding the patient A shown in Table 3 in the summer and winter separately by the broken line. 5 is a histogram showing data on patient B shown in Table 4. It is the graph which expressed the data regarding the patient B shown by Table 4 in the summer and winter separately by the broken line.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Phototherapy device 2 ... Illumination part 3 ... Main body 4 ... Support arm part 5 ... Operation part 6 ... Power switch 7 ... Automatic lighting switch 8 ... Manual lighting switch 9 ... Dimming volume 10 ... Distance setting part 11 ... Timer setting part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Distance display part 13 ... Clock display part 14 ... Support plate 15 ... Support tool 16 ... Printed circuit board 17 ... White LED 18 ... Cover 20 ... Light diffusion filter 21 ... Control part 22 ... Dimming pattern data storage part 23 ... For control Power supply 24 ... Light control unit 25 ... Power source for light source 26 ... Housing 27 ... Voltage setting unit 28 ... Current control unit 29 ... Light source unit 30 ... LED light 35 ... Switch 36 ... Switch 37 ... Switch 38 ... Display unit 39 ... Display unit 40 ... Display unit 50a to 50h ... Sunlight pattern data 51 ... White LED spectrum 52 ... Fluorescent lamp spectrum 53 ... Sunlight spectrum 54 ... Crypto Sphere spectrum 55 ... UV spectrum 56 ... Output variable transistor 57 ... Operational amplifier 58 ... Resistance 60a, 60b ... Phototherapy device 61a, 61b ... Illumination part 62a, 62b ... Body part 63a, 63b ... Support arm part 64a, 64b ... Sliding arm Part 65a, 65b ... Operation part 66a, 66b ... Main body upper surface 67a, 67b ... Illumination surface 68a, 68b ... Support shaft 69a, 69b ... Support shaft 70a, 70b ... Power switch 71a, 71b ... Display part 72a, 72b ... Adjustment knob 81 ... the patient 82 ... the mat 83 ... the white LED light 84 ... the table 85 ... the chair

Claims (5)

A lighting unit including a white light emitting diode (white LED), a current control unit and a voltage setting unit, a dimming unit for adjusting the luminous intensity of the lighting unit, and a control unit for transmitting a control signal to the dimming unit; , A phototherapy device having a storage unit for storing irradiation pattern data, and a light intensity setting unit that allows the light intensity data of the illumination unit to be input to the control unit, the control unit from the storage unit The irradiation pattern data or the light intensity data is read from the light intensity setting unit and transmitted as a control signal to the light adjustment unit. The light adjustment unit receives the control signal, and the voltage setting unit receives the illumination light. The voltage applied to the unit is set, the current value supplied to the lighting unit is detected by the current control unit, and the current is controlled so that the overcurrent is not more than a predetermined maximum current value. Luminous intensity Adjusted, said or controller the intensity data from or the intensity setting unit controller the irradiation pattern data is operated reads operates by reading, light, which is a switchable includes a switch Treatment device. The current control unit is a resistance unit that detects a current value supplied to the illumination unit, and a current value detected by the resistance unit by comparing the current value detected by the resistance unit with the maximum current value. An amplifier that amplifies the differential current when the value exceeds the maximum current value, and an output variable transistor that inputs the amplified differential current and feedback-controls a voltage applied to the illumination unit. The phototherapy device according to claim 1 . 3. The phototherapy device according to claim 1 , wherein the irradiation pattern data is data relating to sunlight from an actual sunrise, and includes at least illuminance data and time data. 4. A distance selection unit is provided so that distance data from the illumination unit to the user can be selected, and the illuminance data constituting the irradiation pattern data has a predetermined coefficient in the actual illuminance data according to the selectable distance data. Illuminance data obtained by multiplication, wherein the control unit selects illuminance data obtained by multiplying the coefficient according to the selected distance data, and transmits a control signal to the dimming unit. The phototherapy device according to claim 3 . Comprising an input capable of distance setting unit distance data from the illumination unit to the user, the control unit, according to claim 4, wherein transmitting a control signal corresponding to the distance data to the dimmer Light therapy device.