Abstract:
Systems and methods for determining one or more temperatures within a phototherapy blanket use or include one or more temperature sensors and a set of light sources to determine a temperature of a subject undergoing phototherapy within the phototherapy blanket and estimate a core temperature of the subject based on, at least, the temperature. The phototherapy blanket may include a thicker region having a higher thermal insulation than one or more other regions of the phototherapy blanket. By virtue of measuring the temperature at or near the thicker region, the uncertainty in the relation between a temperature and the subject&#39;s core temperature may be reduced, for more accurate temperature determination within the phototherapy blanket.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for determining one or more temperatures within a phototherapy blanket, and, in particular, to systems and methods to estimate a core temperature of a subject undergoing phototherapy treatment. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Infants, e.g. neonates, may be treated with phototherapy. An example of phototherapy is jaundice treatment using light sources that emit, e.g., blue light. The core temperature of infants commonly needs to be monitored and/or determined accurately. Light sources commonly emit heat in addition to light, or otherwise add or provide heat and/or energy to their environment. Light and/or other electromagnetic radiation provided to and/or emitted in proximity of an infant may contribute to the thermal environment and/or core temperature of the infant. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Accordingly, it is an object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide a system for determining one or more temperatures inside a phototherapy blanket. The system comprises a blanket used to provide phototherapy, a set of light sources, a temperature sensor, and one or more physical computer processors. The blanket may be referred to as a photo-therapy blanket. The phototherapy blanket is configured to cover, support, and/or envelop at least part of a subject. The phototherapy blanket includes a first region having a first level of thermal insulation and a second region having a second level of thermal insulation. The first level is greater than the second level. The set of light sources is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation. The set of light sources is held and/or carried by the phototherapy blanket. The temperature sensor generates one or more output signals conveying information related to a first temperature in or near the phototherapy blanket. The one or more physical computer processors are operatively coupled with the temperature sensor. The one or more physical computer processors are configured to determine the first temperature based on the one or more output signals, obtain an amount of power dissipated in one or more light sources from the set of light sources, estimate a core temperature of the subject based on (a) the first temperature, and (b) the obtained amount of power, and control the set of light sources based on the estimated core temperature. 
         [0006]    It is yet another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide a method for determining a temperature inside a phototherapy blanket. The phototherapy blanket includes a first region having a first level of thermal insulation and a second region having a second level of thermal insulation. The first level is greater than the second level. The method comprises holding and/or carrying a set of light sources; emitting electromagnetic radiation inside the phototherapy blanket; generating a first output signal conveying information related to a first temperature in or near the phototherapy blanket; determining the first temperature based on the first output signal; obtaining an amount of power dissipated in one or more light sources from the set of light sources; estimating a core temperature of the subject based on (a) the first temperature, and (b) the obtained amount of power; and controlling the set of light sources based on the estimated core temperature. 
         [0007]    It is yet another aspect of one or more embodiments to provide a system configured to determine a temperature inside a phototherapy means. The phototherapy means includes a first region having a first level of thermal insulation and a second region having a second level of thermal insulation. The first level is greater than the second level. The system comprises means for holding and/or carrying means for emitting electromagnetic radiation; the means for emitting electromagnetic radiation inside the phototherapy blanket, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is configured to provide phototherapy; means for generating a first output signal conveying information related to a first temperature in or near the phototherapy means; means for determining the first temperature based on the first output signal; means for obtaining an amount of power dissipated in the means for emitting electromagnetic radiation; means for estimating a core temperature of the subject based on (a) the first temperature, and (b) the obtained amount of power; and means for controlling the means for emitting electromagnetic radiation based on the estimated core temperature. 
         [0008]    These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a system in accordance with one or more embodiments; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary embodiment for determining temperatures inside a phototherapy blanket; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  schematically illustrate exemplary embodiments for determining temperatures inside a phototherapy blanket; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates a method for determining temperatures inside a phototherapy blanket in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]    As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. 
         [0014]    As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body. As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the parts exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components. As employed herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). 
         [0015]    Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, back, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein. 
         [0016]    As used herein, the term “obtain” (and derivatives thereof) may include active and/or passive retrieval, programming, determination, derivation, transfer, and/or exchange of information, and/or any combination thereof. 
         [0017]    For illustrative purposes, the treatment of a newborn baby or neonate at home, in a baby ward, or in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is used as an exemplary embodiment. Note that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to a specific class or type of patients, such as neonates. Instead, treatment of adults and other subjects is contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.  FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a system  10  including a phototherapy blanket  12 , a set of light sources  11  (which may in some implementations include a driver), one or more temperature sensors  142 , one or more processors  110 , a power supply  30  (which may in some implementations include a driver), a user interface  120 , electronic storage  130 , one or more computer program components, and/or other components, in accordance with one or more embodiments. System  10  is configured to determine and/or control one or more temperatures inside phototherapy blanket  12  and/or one or more temperatures on and/or near a subject  106 . Note that system  10  is not restricted or limited to be used in or with incubators, heat lamps, or infant warmers, though a NICU environment may be a suitable for determining and/or controlling temperatures for subjects. System  10  may be integrated, embedded, incorporated, combined, and/or otherwise operating in conjunction with an incubator, baby warmer, a subject monitoring device (a.k.a. a patient monitor), a respiratory device, a respiratory monitor, and/or medical apparatus used for treatment of infants. 
         [0018]    Phototherapy blanket  12  may be configured to cover, support, and/or envelop at least part of subject  106 . Phototherapy blanket  12  may include structure to support subject  106 . By way of non-limiting example, phototherapy blanket  12  may include one or more of a mattress, a pad, a blanket, a sleeping bag, textile layers, and/or other suitable structures to cover, support, and/or envelop at least part of subject  106 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , phototherapy blanket  12  may be implemented in a shape similar to a sleeping bag. 
         [0019]    In some implementations, different regions, sections, areas, and/or portions of phototherapy blanket  12  may include different materials and/or have different thermal characteristics. For example, a first region of phototherapy blanket  12  may have a first level of thermal insulation; a second region of phototherapy blanket  12  may have a second level of thermal insulation, and so forth. In some implementations, the first level of insulation may be greater than the second level of insulation. For example, in some implementations, at least part of the bottom of phototherapy blanket  12  on which subject  106  is supported may have a higher level of thermal insulation than at least part of the remainder of phototherapy blanket  12 . In some implementations, the first region may be disposed opposite the second region. For example, for subject  106  in a supine position, the first region may be closer to the back of subject  106  than the second region, and the second region may be closer to the front of subject  106  than the first region. In some implementations, it may be preferred, e.g. for heat management and/or to allow more phototherapy treatment, to limit the size of the region having a higher level of thermal insulation. In some implementations, it may be preferred that the region having a higher level of thermal insulation is on the bottom during use and/or treatment. 
         [0020]    By way of non-limiting example,  FIG. 3A  illustrates a phototherapy blanket  12  including a first region  14   a  on a first side  14   b  having a first level of thermal insulation, by virtue of structural component  14  (e.g. a particular material, layer, or variation of thickness thereof). Phototherapy blanket  12  further includes a second region  13   a  on a second side  13   b  having a second level of thermal insulation. The first level of insulation may be greater than the second level of insulation. For example, a greater portion of the heat provided through set of light sources  11  (indicated in  FIG. 3A  as a thick line embedded within phototherapy blanket  12  and enveloping subject  106 ) in first region  14   a  may contribute to a core temperature, skin temperature, and/or another temperature of subject  106  in or near region  14   a,  compared, e.g. per unit area, to a relatively smaller portion of the heat provided through set of light sources  11  in second region  13   a  (contributing to a core temperature, skin temperature, and/or another temperature of subject  106  in or near region  13   a ). In some implementations, the transfer and/or dissipation of heat and/or energy from subject  106  to the environment may be more efficient through second region  13   a  than through first region  14   a.    
         [0021]    In some implementations, a particular region, section, area, and/or portion of phototherapy blanket  12  may include a material, component, and/or layer having a known heat transfer coefficient (e.g. thermal conductance per unit area). By way of non-limiting example, such a material, component, and/or layer is labeled  15  in  FIG. 3B  (jointly referred to as component  15 ). 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , set of light sources  11  may be included in system  10 , for example held and/or carried by phototherapy blanket  12 . Set of light sources  11  may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation  11   a.  Set of light sources  11  may include multiple light sources, for example a first light source  11   b,  a second light source  11   c,  a third light source  11   d,  and so forth. The illustration of set of light sources  11  including three members in  FIG. 1  is not intended to be limiting. System  10  may include one or more light sources. 
         [0023]    In some implementations, set of light sources  11  may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In some implementations, set of light sources  11  may include one or more organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Emitted electromagnetic radiation  11   a  may be configured to provide therapy (e.g. phototherapy) to subject  106 . For example, in some implementations, electromagnetic radiation  11   a  may be used to treat jaundice and/or hyper-bilirubinemia in an infant. For example, blue light having particular electromagnetic characteristics may be used to provide treatment and/or therapy. 
         [0024]    Power supply  30  may be configured to provide the power to operate and/or activate one or more light sources from set of light sources  11 . In some implementations, power supply  30  may be configured to operate a driver to activate one or more light sources from set of light sources  11 . Set of light sources  11  may be configured, through emitted electromagnetic radiation  11   a  and/or power dissipated within set of light sources  11 , to provide treatment to subject  106 , e.g. through heat, energy, and/or power. Heat, energy, and/or power provided to subject  106  through system  10  and/or phototherapy blanket  12  (whether intentional or not) may contribute to one or more current temperatures of subject  106 , including but not limited to the core temperature of subject  106 . One or more temperatures of subject  106  may need to be monitored and/or controlled accurately. 
         [0025]    One or more temperature sensors  142  of system  10  may be configured to generate output signals conveying information related to one or more temperatures. The temperatures may include one or more temperatures in or near phototherapy blanket  12 , one or more temperatures of subject  106 , and/or other temperatures. For example, a temperature sensor  142  may be configured to generate output signals conveying information regarding a skin temperature of subject  106 . For example, a temperature sensor or infra-red (IR) sensor in proximity of the skin may be configured to generate output signals conveying information regarding the skin temperature. The illustration of temperature sensor  142  including two members in  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 3B  are not intended to be limiting. System  10  may include one or more temperature sensors  142 . In some implementations, system  10  may include three or more temperature sensors  143 , e.g. to reduce variations in measurements. 
         [0026]    In some implementations, system  10  may include other sensors (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that may be configured to generate output signals conveying (current) physiological information and/or measurements for subject  106 . In some embodiments, the generated output signals may convey one or more of the status of system  10 , medical parameters related to subject  106 , environmental parameters, respiratory treatment-specific parameters, and/or subject-specific parameters. For example, the other sensors may include one or more of a heart rate sensor, a respiratory rate sensor, an oxygen sensor, a bilirubin sensor, a tidal volume sensor, an airflow sensor, a pressure sensor, a weight sensor, a still-image camera, a video camera, a microphone, and/or other sensors. 
         [0027]    Resulting signals or information from temperature sensors  142  and/or other sensors may be transmitted to processor  110 , user interface  120 , electronic storage  130 , and/or other components of system  10 . This transmission can be wired and/or wireless. 
         [0028]    User interface  120  of system  10  in  FIG. 1  may be configured to provide an interface between system  10  and a user (e.g., user  108  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a caregiver, a healthcare provider, a therapy decision-maker, a medical professional etc.) through which the user can provide information to and receive information from system  10 . This enables data, results, and/or instructions and any other communicable items, collectively referred to as “information,” to be communicated between the user and system  10 . An example of information that may be conveyed to a user is a report detailing the changes in monitored temperature throughout a period during which subject  106  is present. Examples of interface devices suitable for inclusion in user interface  120  include a keypad, buttons, switches, a keyboard, knobs, levers, a display screen, a touch screen, speakers, a microphone, an indicator light, an audible alarm, and a printer. Information may be provided to a user by user interface  120  in the form of auditory signals, visual signals, tactile signals, and/or other sensory signals, or any combination thereof. 
         [0029]    By way of non-limiting example, user interface  120  may include a radiation source capable of emitting light. The radiation source may include, for example, one or more of at least one LED, at least one light bulb, a display screen, and/or other sources. User interface  120  may control the radiation source to emit light in a manner that conveys to a user information related to a temperature of subject  106  and/or other information. 
         [0030]    It is to be understood that other communication techniques, either hard-wired or wireless, are contemplated herein as user interface  120 . For example, in one embodiment, user interface  120  may be integrated with a removable storage interface provided by electronic storage  130 . In this example, information is loaded into system  10  from removable storage (e.g., a smart card, a flash drive, a removable disk, etc.) that enables the user(s) to customize the implementation of system  10 . Other exemplary input devices and techniques adapted for use with system  10  as user interface  120  include, but are not limited to, an RS-232 port, RF link, an IR link, a USB connection, modem (telephone, cable, Ethernet, internet or other). In short, any technique for communicating information with system  10  is contemplated as user interface  120 . 
         [0031]    Electronic storage  130  of system  10  in  FIG. 1  includes electronic storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage  130  may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with system  10  and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to system  10  via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a FireWire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage  130  may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage media. Electronic storage  130  may store software algorithms, information determined by processor  110 , information received via user interface  120 , and/or other information that enables system  10  to function properly. For example, electronic storage  130  may record or store one or more measured temperatures, and/or other information. Electronic storage  130  may be a separate component within system  10 , or electronic storage  130  may be provided integrally with one or more other components of system  10  (e.g., processor  110 ). 
         [0032]    Processor  110  of system  10  in  FIG. 1  is configured to provide information processing capabilities in system  10 . As such, processor  110  includes one or more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information. Although processor  110  is shown in  FIG. 1  as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor  110  includes a plurality of processing units. 
         [0033]    As is shown in  FIG. 1 , processor  110  is configured to execute one or more computer program components. The one or more computer program components include one or more of temperature determination component  111 , power dissipation component  112 , estimation component  113 , control component  114 , treatment component  115 , parameter determination component  116 , and/or other components. Processor  110  may be configured to execute components  111 ,  112 ,  113 ,  114 ,  115 , and/or  116  by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor  110 . 
         [0034]    It should be appreciated that although components  111 - 116  are illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being co-located within a single processing unit, in implementations in which processor  110  includes multiple processing units, one or more of components  111 - 116  may be located remotely from the other components. The description of the functionality provided by the different components  111 - 116  described below is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any of components  111 - 116  may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more of components  111 - 116  may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of components  111 - 116 . Note that processor  110  may be configured to execute one or more additional components that may perform some or all of the functionality attributed below to one of components  111 - 116 . 
         [0035]    Subject  106  may be monitored during operation of system  10  or a component thereof, e.g. while undergoing treatment. In some embodiments, subject  106  may be monitored using one or more temperature sensors  142 . For example, temperature sensor  142  may be configured to generate output signals conveying physiological information for subject  106 , including but not limited to a skin temperature and/or a temperature at a location in proximity of subject  106 . 
         [0036]    Temperature determination component  111  may be configured to determine one or more temperatures in or near phototherapy blanket  12 , one or more temperatures of subject  106 , and/or other temperatures. Determinations by temperature determination component  111  may be based on output signals from sensors, including but not limited to one or more temperature sensors  142 . In some implementations, temperature determination component  111  may be configured to determine a skin temperature of subject  106 , e.g. within phototherapy blanket  12 . Skin temperature may be referred to as T s . In some implementations, temperature determination component  111  may be configured to determine one or more temperatures within phototherapy blanket, on or near a particular region, section, area, and/or portion of phototherapy blanket  12 , and/or on or near one or both sides of a particular material, component, and/or layer included in phototherapy blanket  12 . 
         [0037]    For example, referring to  FIG. 3B , temperature determination component  111  may be configured to determine a first temperature (referred to as T in ) on the inward-facing side of component  15 , a second temperature (referred to as T out ) on the outward-facing side of component  15 , and/or other temperatures. As used herein, the term “inward-facing” may be used to indicate the side or direction facing towards subject  106  during usage of system  10 , and “outward-facing” may be used to indicate the side or direction facing away from subject  106  during usage of system  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , system  10  may include multiple temperature sensors  142 , for example a first temperature sensor  142   a  and a second temperature sensor  142   b.  For example, the first temperature may be based on output signals generated by first temperature sensor  142   a,  and the second temperature may be based on output signals generated by second temperature sensor  142   b.  First temperature sensor  142   a  may be disposed on the inward-facing side of component  15 , and second temperature sensor  142   b  may be disposed on the outward-facing side of component  15 . In some implementations, component  15  may have known thermal characteristics, including but not limited to a known heat transfer coefficient K (i.e. thermal conductance per unit area). 
         [0038]    Power dissipation component  112  may be configured to obtain and/or determine an amount of power dissipated in one or more light sources from set of light sources  11 . In some implementations, power dissipation component  112  may be configured to obtain and/or determine a heat flux introduced by one or more light sources from set of light sources  11 . In some implementations, power dissipation component  112  may be configured to obtain information through programming, including but not limited to programming that is performed prior to treatment of a user. As used herein, the term “determine” (and derivatives thereof) may include measure, calculate, compute, estimate, approximate, generate, and/or otherwise derive, and/or any combination thereof. 
         [0039]    In some implementations, the amount of power dissipated, as obtained and/or determined by power dissipation component  112 , may be related to a subset of the set of light sources  11 , for example one or more light sources in proximity to a particular temperature sensor  142 , and/or the one or more light sources that affect, to a sufficiently substantial degree, the relationship between the core temperature and a particular skin temperature T s . In some implementations, such a degree may be based on a particular percentage of the measured/determined temperature that is equivalent to a particular percentage of the measured/determined temperature. Particular percentages may be 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, and/or another percentage. In some implementations, the amount of power dissipated may be based on, related to, or equal to the electrical power dissipated by one or more light sources from set of light sources  11 . The amount of power or heat flux as obtained and/or determined by power dissipation component  112 , expressed per unit area (as average heat flux density), may be referred to as “p”. 
         [0040]    Estimation component  113  may be configured to estimate and/or determine a core temperature of subject  106 . Core temperature may be referred to as T c . Estimations and/or determinations by estimation component  113  may be based on one or more temperatures, e.g. as determined by temperature determination component  111 . Alternatively, and/or simultaneously, estimations and/or determinations by estimation component  113  may be based on an obtained and/or determined amount of power and/or heat flux, e.g. as obtained and/or determined by power dissipation component  112 . For example, in some implementations, estimations and/or determinations by estimation component  113  may be based on the following formula: 
         [0000]        p−q=K   s ( T   s   −T   c ),   [1]
 
         [0000]    wherein T s  is the skin temperature of subject  106 , T c  is the core temperature of subject  106 , p is the amount of power or heat flux per unit area as obtained and/or determined by power dissipation component  112 , K s  may be a heat transfer coefficient for the skin of subject  106 , and q is the thermal flux density towards the environment for the particular region, section, area, and/or portion of phototherapy blanket  12  where the measurement of T s  is taken. In some implementations, K s  may be obtained and/or measured by system  10 , e.g. by estimation component  113 . In some implementations, K s  may be estimated based on average and/or typical skin characteristics known in the pertinent fields of technology related to skin temperatures. 
         [0041]    In some implementations, using measurements of T s  taken at or near a particular region, section, area, and/or portion of phototherapy blanket  12  where the level of thermal insulation is sufficiently high (e.g. first region  14   a  as depicted in  FIG. 3A ), thermal heat flux density q may be assumed and/or approximated as zero. For example, thermal heat flux density q may be assumed and/or approximated as zero if the level of thermal insulation is so high that the relationship between T s  and T c  is substantially unaffected by environmental conditions around phototherapy blanket  12  and/or subject  106 , including but not limited to whether subject  106  is being held, e.g. for kangaroo care, or not, how phototherapy blanket  12  and/or subject  106  are positioned, which materials are used to cover subject  106 , the room temperature, and/or other changes that may affect thermal conditions of subject  106  during treatment. In some implementations, the term “substantially unaffected” may be based on a particular percentage of a measured and/or determined temperature. Particular percentages may be 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, and/or another percentage. In some implementations, the term “substantially unaffected” may be based on the absolute effect on the measured relationship, e.g. 0.1 K, 0.2 K, 0.3 K, 0.4 K, 0.5 K, 0.6 K, 0.7 K, 0.8 K, 0.9 K, 1 K, and/or another absolute temperature differential. The preceding formula [1] may reduce to the following formula: 
         [0000]        T   c =( T   s   −p/K   s )   [2]
 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , in some implementations, multiple temperature sensors  142  may be used to determine temperatures T in  and T out  on opposite sides of structural component  15 , having known heat transfer coefficient K. Note that thermal heat flux density q may vary dynamically, over time, and/or based on whether subject  106 , while within phototherapy blanket  12 , is being held or not. For example, q may vary as the position of phototherapy blanket  12  and/or subject  106  changes, as the materials used to cover subject  106  change, as environmental conditions change, including but not limited to ambient temperature and/or humidity, as the air flow around phototherapy blanket  12  and/or subject  106  changes, and/or based on changes in the status or condition of subject  106 . Thermal heat flux density q may be determined based on the following formula: 
         [0000]        q=K ( T   in   −T   out )   [3]
 
         [0043]    In some implementations, determinations of thermal heat flux density q may be made dynamically, repeatedly, continuously, continually, and/or in other suitable ways to monitor q and/or T c . In some implementations, T in  and T s  may be based on output signals generated by the same temperature sensor  142 . In some implementations, T in  and T s  may be based on output signals generated by different temperature sensors  142 . In some implementations, determinations of thermal heat flux density q may be made by parameter determination component  116 . For example, parameter determination component  116  may be configured to determine a particular heat flux density in a particular region, section, area, and/or portion of phototherapy blanket  12  (e.g. in proximity of component  15  as depicted in  FIG. 3B ) based on one or more temperatures (e.g. as determined by temperature determination component  111 , including but not limited to T s , T in , and/or T out ). 
         [0044]    Control component  114  may be configured to control set of light sources  11  and/or thereby affect one or more temperatures within system  10 , including but not limited to the core temperature of subject  106 . For example, control may be based on one or more estimations and/or determinations by estimation component  113 . In some implementations, control component  114  may obtain and/or determine a threshold core temperature for subject  106 , and adjust set of light sources  11  accordingly based on whether the determined and/or estimated core temperature of subject  106  breaches the threshold core temperature. In some implementations, control component  114  may be configured to adjust and/or control the amount of power supplied to set of light sources  11  based on a difference between the threshold core temperature and the current determined and/or estimated core temperature of subject  106 . For example, responsive to the determined and/or estimated core temperature of subject  106  being higher than the threshold core temperature, control component  114  may be configured to reduce, possibly to zero, the amount of power supplied to one or more light sources in set of light sources  11 . For example, responsive to the determined and/or estimated core temperature of subject  106  being lower than the threshold core temperature, control component  114  may increase the amount of power supplied to one or more light sources in set of light sources  11 . In some implementations, controlling the amount of power being supplied to one or more light sources in set of light sources  11  may be accomplished by adjusting the settings and/or operating parameters of a driver, e.g. included with set of light sources  11  or power supply  30 . 
         [0045]    Treatment component  115  may be configured to determine and/or obtain one or more threshold temperatures, e.g. a threshold core temperature for subject  106 . In some implementations, a threshold core temperature may be obtained through medical professionals and/or programmed based on standard guidelines for infants. 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  illustrates a method  400  for determining temperatures inside a phototherapy blanket, for example a phototherapy blanket  12  as described in this disclosure. The operations of method  400  presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method  400  may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method  400  are illustrated in  FIG. 4  and described below is not intended to be limiting. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, method  400  may be implemented in (and/or using) one or more processing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices executing at least some of the operations of method  400  in response to instructions stored electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed for execution of one or more of the operations of method  400 . 
         [0048]    At an operation  402 , a set of light sources is held and/or carried. In some embodiments, operation  402  is performed by a phototherapy blanket the same as or similar to phototherapy blanket  12  (shown in  FIG. 2  and described herein). 
         [0049]    At an operation  404 , electromagnetic radiation is emitted inside the phototherapy blanket. In some embodiments, operation  404  is performed by a set of light sources the same as or similar to set of light sources  11  (shown in  FIG. 1  and described herein). 
         [0050]    At an operation  406 , a first output signal is generated that conveys information related to a first temperature in or near the phototherapy blanket. In some embodiments, operation  406  is performed by a temperature sensor the same as or similar to temperature sensor  142  (shown in  FIG. 1  and described herein). 
         [0051]    At an operation  408 , the first temperature is determined based on the first output signal. In some embodiments, operation  408  is performed by a temperature determination component the same as or similar to temperature determination component  111  (shown in  FIG. 1  and described herein). 
         [0052]    At an operation  410 , an amount of power is obtained that is dissipated in one or more light sources from the set of light sources. In some embodiments, operation  410  is performed by a power dissipation component the same as or similar to power dissipation component  112  (shown in  FIG. 1  and described herein). 
         [0053]    At an operation  412 , a core temperature of the subject is estimated based on the first temperature and the obtained amount of power. In some embodiments, operation  412  is performed by an estimation component the same as or similar to estimation component  113  (shown in  FIG. 1  and described herein). In some implementations, a notification or alarm may be issued based on the estimated core temperature, e.g. if the core temperature is too high. In some implementations, operation  414  may not be performed. 
         [0054]    At an operation  414 , the set of light sources is controlled based on the estimated core temperature. In some embodiments, operation  414  is performed by a control component the same as or similar to control component  114  (shown in  FIG. 1  and described herein). 
         [0055]    In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination. 
         [0056]    Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.