Precision illumination methods and systems

• US 20030100837A1
• Filed: 09/26/2002
• Published: 05/29/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Philips Lighting North America Corporation (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Inventors: Lys, Ihor, Mueller, George G., Morgan, Frederick Marshall
• Granted Patent: US 7,308,296 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/476
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0652 Arrays of diodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0616 Skin treatment other than tanning
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0618 Psychological treatment
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/23 Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with a single fitting for each light source, e.g. for substitution of incandescent lamps with bayonet or threaded fittings
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/64 using wavelength conversion means distinct or spaced from the light-generating element, e.g. a remote phosphor layer
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/28 rigid, e.g. LED bars
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/004 Sanitary equipment, e.g. mirrors, showers, toilet seats or paper dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/006 General building constructions or finishing work for buildings, e.g. roofs, gutters, stairs or floors; Garden equipment; Sunshades or parasols
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/027 for indicating kerbs, steps or stairs
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/08 for handles or handrails
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: F24C 7/08 Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2300/06 Passive matrix structure, i.e. with direct application of both column and row voltages to the light emitting or modulating elements, other than LCD or OLED
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/0626 for control of overall brightness
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/0666 for control of colour parameters, e.g. colour temperature
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/14 Semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/2014 by modulation of the duration of a single pulse during which the logic level remains constant
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/32 semiconductive, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3283 in which the data driver supplies a variable data current for setting the current through, or the voltage across, the light-emitting elements
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/30 : Driver circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/325 : Pulse-width modulation [PWM]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/38 : using boost topology
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/397 : Current mirror circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/46 : having LEDs disposed in parallel lines
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/10 : Controlling the light source
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/155 : Coordinated control of two or more light sources
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/18 : via data-bus transmission

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for illuminating various materials using an LED system. These methods and systems can be applied to a plurality of materials, including biological entities, and may be employed to effect one or more changes in the illuminated material. Exemplary systems may be particularly configured and suitable for use in medical applications, including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Claims

1. A method for effecting a change in a material, comprising:

providing an LED system for generating a range of colors within a color spectrum;

selecting from the range of colors a set of colors, whereby the set of colors produces in the material the change; and

illuminating the material with the LED system for a period of time predetermined to be effective in producing the change.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material comprises a biological entity.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the biological entity comprises a living organism.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the living organism is a vertebrate.

5. A method according to claim 3, comprising illuminating an environment surrounding the living organism.

6. A method for treating a condition of a patient, comprising:

providing an LED system for generating a range of colors within a color spectrum;

selecting from the range of colors a set of colors, whereby the set of colors produces in the patient a therapeutic effect; and

illuminating an area of the patient with the set of colors for a period of time predetermined to be effective in producing the therapeutic effect.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the area of the patient comprises an external surface of the patient.

8. A method according to claim 6, wherein the area of the patient comprises a body part.

9. A method according to claim 6, comprising the additional step of administering an agent to a patient,

wherein the agent is delivered to the area of the patient, and

whereby the agent alters the therapeutic effect achieved by illuminating the area of the patient with the set of colors.

10. A method for evaluating a material, comprising:

selecting an area of the material for evaluation;

illuminating the area of the material with an LED system;

determining at least one characteristic of a light reflected from the area, wherein the characteristic is selected from the group including color and intensity; and

comparing the characteristic of the light reflected from the area with a set of known light parameters, whereby the set of known light parameters relates to a feature of said material.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the set of known light parameters relates to an abnormal feature of the material.

12. A method according to claim 10, wherein the material comprises a biological entity.

13. A method for diagnosing a condition of a body part, comprising:

selecting an area of the body part for evaluation;

illuminating the area of the body part with an LED system;

determining at least one characteristic of a light reflected from the area, wherein the characteristic is selected from the group including color and intensity; and

comparing the characteristic of the light reflected from the area with a set of known light parameters, wherein the set of known light parameters relates to the condition of the body part.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the set of known light parameters relates to a pathological condition of the body part.

15. A method according to claim 13, comprising the additional step of administering an agent to a patient,

wherein the agent is delivered to the body part, and

whereby the agent alters the characteristic of the light reflected from the area of the body part.

16. A system for illuminating a body part, comprising

a power source;

an LED system connected to the power source, said LED system adapted for illuminating the body organ;

a medical instrument adapted for positioning the LED system in proximity to the body part whereby the LED system illuminates the body part; and

a microprocessor for controlling the LED system.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the microprocessor is responsive to a signal relating to a feature of the body part.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the feature of the body part is a structural condition.

19. A system according to claim 16, wherein the body part is illuminated in vivo.

20. A system according to claim 16, wherein the body part comprises a lumen.

21. A system according to claim 16, wherein the medical instrument is adapted for insertion within a body cavity.