A prototype of a Low-cost Phototherapy Light System (LPLS) was deployed by the Ateneo Innovation Center (AIC) at a public hospital in Metro Manila, Philippines. It underwent clinical investigation for two years under the supervision of licensed physicians in a public tertiary hospital.

This paper presents the process of upgrading the LPLS to enhance capabilities and improve efficiency, yet remain affordable. Added were the following features:  

(1) a visual and auditory monitoring system in order to remotely oversee the infant from the nurse station;
(2) an automation system that stores data about the device’s light intensity and bulb temperature and records ambient humidity;
(3) an alarm system that activates the warning lights if sensor readings are in critical level and if the bulbs need to be replaced; and
(4) a time setting to manually set the time of operation and automatically turn-off the device as programmed.

While the upgrades increased the system’s cost, it is still cheaper than those that are commercially available. For LPLS units deployed to remote or off-grid hospitals, these are equipped with a solar-powering feature.

(Source: P. M. Cabacungan, C. M. Oppus, J. E. De Guzman, G. L. Tangonan, I. B. Culaba and N. G. Cabacungan, “Intelligent Sensors and Monitoring System for Low-cost Phototherapy Light for Jaundice Treatment,” 2019 International Symposium on Multimedia and Communication Technology (ISMAC), Quezon City, Philippines, 2019, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/ISMAC.2019.8836133.)