Patent Application
20210113805
This invention relates to lighting systems with feedback control based on input from the circadian rhythms of a user.
Light therapy is widely prescribed for mood related disorders including depression, seasonal affective disorder, sleep disorders and bipolar disorder. It is known that circadian rhythms can be synchronized with exposure to strong light on 24-hour intervals. It is also known that strong light in the morning is effective at improving the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and depression. Studies have found that chronic disruption of one of the most basic circadian (daily) rhythms—the day/night cycle—leads to weight gain, impulsivity, slower thinking, and other physiological and behavioral changes in mice, similar to those observed in people who experience shift work or jet lag. Disruption of the sleep wake cycle are often due to irregular light and dark patterns. Irregular Sleep-Wake Rhythm disorder causes a person's circadian rhythms to be so disorganized that there is no clear sleep or wake pattern.
Therefore, a device that uses the properties of light to influence and realign the Sleep-Wake Rhythm with an optimum cycle is needed. By doing so, the device may improve mood, and mental health. A lighting device that improves mood and relaxation by simulating lighting events that occur in nature to invoke feelings of calm and relaxation would also be desirable. People enjoy improved mood from lighting events like campfires, sunsets, sunrises and even thunderstorms. People that experience kinetic light art also agree that the effect is mesmerizing and helps to improve mood.
In one aspect, the invention is a lighting device that establishes an optimum circadian rhythm profile for a user by monitoring the sleep-wake cycles of the user over a period and controlling a light source based on the profile. The lighting device includes a feedback control system that receives sensory and user inputs to inform the system regarding the operation of the system and the light output. The light output of the lighting device is adjusted to improve the circadian rhythm of the user.
In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device establishes an optimum circadian rhythm profile for a user by monitoring the sleep-wake cycles of the user over a period and controlling a light source based on the profile. The lighting device includes a feedback control system that receives sensory and user inputs to inform the system regarding the operation of the system and the light output. The light output of the lighting device is adjusted to improve the circadian rhythm of the user.
This invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art and, in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available systems and methods. Features and advantages of different embodiments of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
Consistent with the foregoing, a lighting device is disclosed. The objectives of the system are to provide a lighting device that establishes an optimum circadian rhythm profile for a user by monitoring the sleep-wake cycles of the user over a period and controlling a light source based on the profile. The lighting device includes a feedback control system that receives sensory and user inputs to inform the system regarding the operation of the system and the light output. The light output of the lighting device is adjusted to improve the circadian rhythm of the user.
In a preferred embodiment, a lighting device may include two or more light sources, a controller that adjusts a light output of the light sources, a processor, non-transitory memory for data storage, stored settings in the non-transitory memory, and an input device.
The lighting device may also include a feedback control system. The feedback control system may receive a reference input representing an optimum circadian rhythm profile of a user. The optimum circadian rhythm profile may be stored in the memory. The feedback control system may receive input data from the input device. The controller may modify the reference input based on the input data. The controller may control the light output according to the stored settings and the modified reference input to improve the circadian rhythm of a user.
In another embodiment, the input devices may comprise one or more of a touch screen, a button, a dial, a motion sensor, a microphone, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, a user interface device, a mechanical sensor, Vision and Imaging Sensors, a camera, a temperature sensor, a radiation sensor, a position sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a particle sensor, a humidity sensor, a gas or chemical sensor, a force sensor, a flow sensor, an electrical sensor, a contact sensor, a mechanical device, and an electrical sensor.
In an embodiment, the user interface device may include at least one of: a smart phone, a computer, an input device integrated to the lighting device, and a mobile device. The lighting device may include a base structure supporting two or more planer surfaces; wherein the light sources shine light onto the one or more planer surfaces. At least one of the two or more planer surfaces may be translucent allowing at least some of the light from the light sources to shine through the planer surfaces. The two or more planer surfaces may each have a shape representing a natural plant-like appearance.
In certain embodiments, the lighting device may include a network device; and one or more wireless transmitter and receivers with at least one antenna; and wherein the network device may connect to an additional one or more likely equipped lighting devices. The network device may also be connected to at least one of: a local area network, a wide area network and a cloud-based network. The processor may send a control signal to the controller based on at least one of: one or more user inputs, a signal from the network device, and the stored settings.
In other embodiments, movement may be simulated by sequencing the light output of two or more lighting devices. The light source may simulate movement by changing at least one of: the color, brightness and frequency of the light output. The light source may simulate movement by changing at least one of: the color, brightness and frequency of the light output. The light sources may simulate movement by separating the light output into two or more channels; wherein each channel changes at least one of the brightness, color and frequency of the light output; wherein the harmonics generated between the channels create a movement effect. Movement may be simulated by sequencing the light output of the two or more light sources in a lighting device.
In another embodiment, the circadian rhythm of a user may be stored in the stored settings as a specific profile for that user. A model may be built representing the history of a user's profile over a time period; wherein the model is modified based on changes to the user's profile over the time period; wherein the model is stored in the stored settings. The model may predict light output profiles that will gradually adjust the user's circadian rhythms to the optimum range after a disruption event that has changed the user's circadian rhythm to a less than optimum range.
Further aspects and embodiments are provided in the foregoing drawings, detailed description and claims.
The following drawings are provided to illustrate certain embodiments described herein. The drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of claimed inventions and are not intended to show every potential feature or embodiment of the claimed inventions. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; in some instances, certain elements of the drawing may be enlarged with respect to other elements of the drawing for purposes of illustration.
The following description recites various aspects and embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein. No particular embodiment is intended to define the scope of the invention. Rather, the embodiments provide non-limiting examples of various compositions, and methods that are included within the scope of the claimed inventions. The description is to be read from the perspective of one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, information that is well known to the ordinarily skilled artisan is not necessarily included.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
The following terms and phrases have the meanings indicated below, unless otherwise provided herein. This disclosure may employ other terms and phrases not expressly defined herein. Such other terms and phrases shall have the meanings that they would possess within the context of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some instances, a term or phrase may be defined in the singular or plural. In such instances, it is understood that any term in the singular may include its plural counterpart and vice versa, unless expressly indicated to the contrary.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a substituent” encompasses a single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the like.
As used herein, “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” or “including” are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, such examples are provided only as an aid for understanding embodiments illustrated in the present disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. Nor do these phrases indicate any kind of preference for the disclosed embodiment.
Light therapy boxes currently on the market often utilize a harsh bright blue light and can be unpleasant to use. The invention described herein uses the properties of light to improve mood, and mental health, but differs from conventional light therapy boxes in that it is meant to be a pleasant experience. The lighting device may improve mood and relaxation by simulating lighting events that occur in nature to invoke feelings of calm and relaxation. People enjoy improved mood from lighting events like campfires, sunsets, sunrises and even thunderstorms. People that experience kinetic light art also agree that the effect is mesmerizing and helps to improve mood. The relax lamp may be beneficial to healthy and sickly people alike.
The lighting device may simulate movement with lighting. A single light source may simulate movement by changing the brightness or the color of the light output. This may be accomplished by a microprocessor driving an RGB LED with pulse width modulation (PWM) to adjust the brightness of each color. More sophisticated movement may be accomplished if the light output is separated into two or more channels. Each channel changes in brightness and color, and if they change independently the harmonics generated between them may seem to move more than a single output. Using a different color, brightness, and frequency of change with multiple channels may create random and unpredictable combinations for a moving and mesmerizing effect.
Movement may be simulated by sequencing the lights. For example, with 3 channels arranged in a circle, running a 3 second change cycle on each channel 1 second apart may cause the light to appear to be spinning or circling. Other effects like bouncing, firelight, cloud movement, sunrise and sunset are also possible with multiple channels as color gradients may be achieved between the channels.
Multi-channel lights, color, brightness, fade time may also be controller by the lighting device. The lighting device may use multiple channels to produce lighting effects that may be both random and continuously changing. One method may employ multiple channels that are out of phase with each other. Each channel may vary the light color, brightness and fade time independent of the other channels. By changing the brightness, color and fade time of multiple channels at different rates, the resulting effect may be random changing that does not repeat. When using multiple channels, the colors from adjacent channels may blend together making new colors.
The lighting device may synchronize lighting over many network nodes. Ambience effects may be achieved using multiple channels of colored light. By linking multiple lamps together over a wireless connection, the number of channels available for effects may be multiplied. By synchronizing multiple lamps together, a more immersive effect may be achieved along with more light output.
One method to synchronize lamps may be to copy the active sequence to all other lamps in the group over the wireless link. Each lamp may have several sequences defined. A single sync packet may be sent from one node to the other nodes in the group wirelessly using a broadcast message, group message or a direct message. The message may be triggered directly from an app on a phone or tablet, and converted in one of the lamp nodes, or it may be triggered from a bridge node or a master controller node that receives commands from another network—like an Internet connected IP network.
The sync packet may reference the desired sequence to run and may include a time delay or sequence offset index to set the desired overlap and interference. The sync packet may also send instructions for generating a sequence in real time.
The lighting device may include Color sequence definition. A color sequence may be a list of color elements that include at least a color and the time to change to that new color. The sequence can be any length, and the separate channels may reference the same sequence with an offset, or each channel can have a unique sequence.
Sequences may be generated before they are needed, or they may be generated in real time when they are ready to run. The sync packet may trigger generation of a new sequence, by including rules for the sequence. A typical sequence rule may include a number of colors or color ranges allowed in the sequence, and instructions for allowed timing ranges for each color change. The rule may also include hysteresis or an allowable amount of randomness to be applied to color changes to keep the lighting effects random and unpredictable. When a node receives a sequence rule, it may generate new sequences for each channel and run them immediately or on the next repeat of the sequence. An example of sequence generation instruction to make a campfire sequence may be as follows:
The lighting device may use signal strength to determine spacing for lighting effects. When synchronizing multiple lights over a wireless connection, it may be useful to know the physical proximity of devices to better coordinate simulated movement. One way to map the devices may be to use the wireless signal strength (RSSI) to estimate the distance between nodes. When a device receives a synchronization packet, it may adjust the time delay for the initial sequence run to a longer time where the signal strength is lower or may adjust to a shorter time if the signal is strong. Some wireless technologies also may allow for more accurate distance and direction detection, like Bluetooth 5.1. Using this information, the lamps may make a reasonably accurate map of the environment and adjust the timing according to the distance and relative direction recorded for each lamp.
The lighting device may include auto on when lights go out. A light sensor may detect lights out. The lighting device may include an ambient light sensor. When the lamp is off, it may measure the ambient light to determine what is happening in the environment. When the light sensor indicates a rapid drop in light (for example when the room lights are turned off) the lamp may turn on to keep the room lit for safety. The light sensor may also allow the lamp to adjust brightness more quickly or slowly depending on the environment. For example, turning the lamp on in a bright room may cause it to go brighter faster, and may turn it on in a dark room may reduce the total brightness and time to prevent eyestrain.
The lighting device may Incorporate physical movement by use of a servo to simulate opening flower. One embodiment of the lighting device may include the general shape of a flower. Since part of the goal of the device is to simulate movement, actual movement may be included to enhance the effect. For example, the flower may have petals that open or close when actuated using a motor or servo. This movement may be synchronized with the color and brightness movement effects. Opening and closing the flower may also alter the light that is cast around the room. For example, when the flower is closed the light may be diffused by the translucent petals. When the flower is opened the light source may be exposed to cast hard shadows around the room.
The lighting device may include a Smartphone Application for setup and configuration. A phone application may be used to configure the lamp, set the colors, ambience or mood. The application may include a bedtime and alarm feature to simulate sunset and sunrise on a desired programmed schedule.
The lighting device may Integrate sounds via an app. The app may also play music from the phone to an attached Bluetooth speaker or other sound system. The app may interpret the music stream and send commands to the lighting device over a wireless connection to synchronize the lamp movement with the music.
The lighting device may use different channels (colors) to reflect different frequency sounds. With multiple channels in the lamp, different channels may be assigned to frequency ranges so the lamp can react to music. One method is the lamp may assign a channel and color to each frequency range, for example red is assigned to bass notes, green to mid notes and blue to high notes. This variation may be included in a new profile or model for a specific user and used to determine the outcome on the revised or updated circadian rhythm profile for that user. Adjustments to each user's profile may be monitored and recorded by the system. Specific colors, channels, frequencies, scheduling, duration of each cycle and sequencing of lighting events may be included in this profile. As adjustments are made, the system may record the resulting effects of these adjustments on the user and on their circadian rhythm. In this way, an optimum Circadian Rhythm profile for an individual user may be established. This optimum profile may be used as a standard for that specific user in the future, and as a gauge to adjust the user's Circadian Rhythm in the future if the user's Circadian Rhythm becomes out of whack or otherwise disrupted.
The lighting device may include an Integrated phone charger/stand. The phone charger may integrate USB ports for phone charging. The lighting device may also include a stand for a phone or a wireless charging pad for a rechargeable watch or phone.
The lighting device may use a microphone to react to sounds in the environment. The lighting device may react to sounds in the environment using a built-in microphone. This may allow the lighting device to synchronize with music and may also allow the lamp to respond to voice commands or other audible signals (like clapping, sneezing, screaming, etc). The lamp may also use the surrounding sound volume and rhythm to adjust the lighting effects in intensity and timing.
The lighting device may incorporate motion sensors to detect movement nearby and turn on the light. The motion sensor and may be configured to turn on the light when movement is detected in a dark room. The motion sensor may also communicate movement during the user's sleep/wake cycle that may be informative regarding the user's sleep cycle. For example, the system may learn the user's stages of sleep by identifying the wake, light sleep, deep sleep, REM, and repeat. Awake time may also be sensed by the motion sensor. Additional sensors including microphones, pressure sensors, etc. may be used to further identify these cycles. The user's sleep cycle may then be monitored and analyzed by the system to determine what the optimum cycle may be for that user. User input via a smartphone app or the like may also be used to determine the optimum profile.
The lighting device may dim up red at night to reduce eye adjustment to make it easier to go back to sleep and can dim back down after the motion has stopped. Motion detection may perform different functions depending on the time or schedule, for example the lamp may go bright during the day and dim at night.
The lighting device may use motion sensor to track sleep/wake cycle and times up in the night. The motion sensor information may be gathered to report the numbers of times a person got up in the night and may establish patterns of movement by tracking motion over time. The motion tracking information can be used to predict when the lights are needed and coordinate lighting with typical movement.
The lighting device may sync with sunrise/sunset or schedule. The light may include a real time clock so that it knows the time of day. In one mode of operation the lamp may gradually turn off at (actual) sunset, and gradually turn on at (actual) sunrise. In another mode, the lamp may gradually turn off at bedtime and on at wake time, simulating sunrise and sunset on a preset schedule.
The lighting device may maintain circadian rhythms to help people with off schedules, dark environments. Using a real time clock of the lighting device may establish a consistent sunrise and sunset schedule to establish circadian rhythm. This feature may allow people living in a dark environment (basements, the north pole, Canada, Alaska) or people that work the graveyard shift or other schedules to have a light on and off schedule that is optimum for their own Circadian Rhythm.
Once the desired schedule is configured, the lighting device will stick to the optimum 24-hour schedule consistently to match desired circadian rhythms.
The lighting device may simulate nature: campfire, storm, lightning, sunrise/set, clouds, ocean, autumn. The lighting device may use multiple channels to simulate effects found in nature. For example, it may flicker using reds and yellows to resemble a campfire. Or go from white to dim gray or blue to simulate an approaching storm, and flash and flicker like lightning. This effect may be further enhanced when several lights communicate with each other in the same room by coordinating lighting changes over a wireless connection.
The lighting device may employ light therapy functions to improve mood. Light therapy is a well-known treatment for seasonal affective disorder, using including white, blue or green tinted bright morning lights. The lamp may integrate light therapy features with ambience features. For example, instead of blaring a blue light when turned on, the lamp may gradually dim up in color like a sunrise, and go to pure white, blue white or green white and maintain the bright light level for a set time to satisfy light therapy needs. Combining the emotional reaction to the light with the technical therapy light may make a more pleasant user experience.
The lighting device may monitor sleep using phone camera. The app that is used to control the lamp may also use the phone's built in camera to observe sleep habits and track them for the user. Using the phone dock may allow the lamp to aim the phone camera in the sleeping direction.
The lighting device may synchronize multiple lights together from a single motion or other event (lights out). When multiple lights are used together, they may coordinate the response to events like motion or ambient light events like lights out. The light that detects motion or another event may forward the information to other lights over the wireless connection so that all lights may behave in a synchronized manner.
The lighting device may incorporate speakers for synchronized sounds and complete relaxation experience. The lighting device may include speakers to play sounds in concert with the light effects for a more immersive relaxation experience. The speakers may also be used to play music over a Bluetooth or wireless connection and the light may coordinate lighting effects with the music. With speakers incorporated the alarm functions, wake and sleep may also play music.
The lighting device may Include Alexa for full control without phone. The light may include built-in Amazon Alexa, Google Home or other voice processing functionality for voice control. The control may apply to the light or may trigger other functions via the Internet.
The lighting device Wi-Fi version may connect to cloud for control from Alexa or google home. The light may incorporate a Wi-Fi radio so that it can be controlled from the Internet for compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home or other Internet compatible control systems.
When using multiple lights, only one may need Wi-Fi capability as the others may be controlled over the other wireless communication. The light may also be made accessible to the Internet using an external Wi-Fi or Ethernet to wireless bridge device.
The lighting device may stimulate relaxation using gently fading light circuits together with different fade times and color ranges. (Peter Myer's kinetic light machine)
The lighting device may encourage relaxation by using gently fading channels that change at different rates and use different colors. By differing the rates between the channels, the light will change indefinitely without repeating patterns. By using multiple channels, the interference patterns between the channels may provide depth and variety to the experience.
Versions may include a standalone lamp, light bulb, LED string controller, under cabinet lighting.
The lighting device functionality may work in many different embodiments. Some of the embodiments may include:
Under cabinet lights include motion sensing, light sync, auto off and auto on.
The under-cabinet version of the light may include at least:
accidents common to poorly lit rooms.
The lighting device may include features to make it look like more than just a blob, and features to provide visual interest. Some of the ways to accomplish this may include:
The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
All patents and published patent applications referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference. The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. Nevertheless, it is understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.
This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/923,382, filed Oct. 18, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62923382 | Oct 2019 | US |
