| Methods and apparatus for light therapy -> Monitor Keywords |
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Methods and apparatus for light therapyRelated Patent Categories: Surgery: Light, Thermal, And Electrical Application, Light, Thermal, And Electrical Application, Light ApplicationMethods and apparatus for light therapy description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060111761, Methods and apparatus for light therapy. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/613,608 filed Jul. 3, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/393,607, filed Jul. 3, 2002 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/430,269, filed Dec. 2, 2002. Each of the above applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to the use of electromagnetic energy during medical treatment, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for light therapy. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Visible and near infrared wavelength light is known to have many therapeutic benefits. For example, wavelengths of 680, 730 and/or 880 nanometers have been shown to increase cell growth and speed wound healing (especially when combined with hyperbaric oxygen), and have been used to activate photoactive agents for various cancer treatments. Whelan et al., "NASA Light Emitting Diode Medical Applications From Deep Space to Deep Sea," Space Technology and Applications International Forum--2001, American Institute of Physics, pp. 35-45 (2001). [0004] Despite the recognition of the benefits of visible and near infrared wavelength light irradiation, there remains a need for methods and apparatus for carrying out these and other forms of light therapy. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] In a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for use in light therapy is provided that includes (1) at least one light emitting diode array adapted to emit a wavelength of light; and (2) a targeting mechanism coupled to the at least one light emitting diode array so as to allow light emitted from the at least one light emitting diode array to be repeatably positioned on a target area during non-contact light therapy. [0006] In a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus for use in light therapy is provided that includes (1) at least one light emitting diode array adapted to emit a wavelength of light; (2) a targeting mechanism that includes at least one targeting light source coupled to the at least one light emitting diode array so as to allow light emitted from the at least one light emitting diode array to be repeatably positioned on a target area, wherein the targeting light source is adapted to turn off prior to image recording; and (3) an imaging mechanism adapted to image the target area. [0007] Numerous other aspects are provided, as are methods and computer program products for carrying out these and other aspects of the invention. Each computer program product described herein may be carried by a medium readable by a computer (e.g., a carrier wave signal, a floppy disc, a compact disc, a DVD, a hard drive, a random access memory, etc.). [0008] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a light therapy device provided in accordance with the present invention; [0010] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary process that may be performed by the light therapy device of FIG. 1; [0011] FIGS. 3A-B are a schematic bottom view and side view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of the light therapy device of FIG. 1; [0012] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary split screen interface provided in accordance with the present invention; [0013] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary overlay screen interface provided in accordance with the present invention; [0014] FIG. 5A is schematic side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the light therapy device of FIGS. 3A and 3B; [0015] FIG. 5B is a schematic bottom view of the light array of FIG. 5A; [0016] FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of the targeting laser and the camera of FIG. 5A; [0017] FIG. 5D is a schematic top view of the LED array of FIG. 5A; [0018] FIGS. 5E-G are schematic side, front and back views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of the interface of FIG. 5A; [0019] FIGS. 5H and 5I are a top schematic view and a side schematic view, respectively, of an embodiment of the LED array of FIG. 5A; and [0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an inventive wound documentation system provided in accordance with the present invention. 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