Patent Application
20090326616
The invention relates to a system for influencing a photobiological state in a vertebrate. The invention further relates to a lighting device, a backlighting device, a display device and a method comprising the system.
It is known that the circadian rhythm in humans controls important processes such as the daily cycle of waking and sleeping. This biological clock aligns its timing to the external environment through, for example, exposure to light via the hormone melatonin, which is associated with sleep. The synthesis of melatonin is reduced when light hits the retina of the eye. However, it is sometimes required that the circadian rhythm is influenced, such as temporarily extending the period of waking, for example, when driving a car.
Patent application DE 10232797A1 discloses a system for increasing a driver's vigilance. The system comprises a sensor for sensing a parameter representing the level of attention of the driver, and comprises a light source which emits electromagnetic radiation triggering receptors in the human eye that are responsible for a human's circadian rhythm. The triggering of the receptors suppresses the production of melatonin and increases the driver's vigilance.
The known system has the drawback that it may alter the circadian rhythm or phase of the driver, which results in a reduced well-being.
It is an object of the invention to improve the user's well-being.
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved with a system for influencing a photobiological state of a vertebrate, the system comprising:
a light source for emitting light influencing the photobiological state of the vertebrate,
a sensor arranged to sense a first biophysical parameter representing a biological state of the vertebrate and generate a feedback signal representing the first biophysical parameter, and
a control circuit arranged to receive the feedback signal from the sensor and generate a control signal controlling the light source for influencing the photobiological state of the vertebrate so as to generate a predetermined photobiological state of the vertebrate,
the control signal being generated by combining a second parameter with the first biophysical parameter, the second parameter being a second biophysical parameter or an interaction parameter characterizing an interaction of the vertebrate with a device, the second parameter representing a further biological state of the vertebrate.
A photobiological state of a vertebrate is a state which is influenced by light, such as alertness, sleep, depression, circadian rhythm, and concentration of the hormones cortisol and melatonin.
The effect of the measures according to the invention is that a control signal, which is based on both the first biophysical parameter and the second parameter, allows more accurate and subtle manipulation of the photobiological state, which improves the well-being of the vertebrate. In the known system, the driver's vigilance is increased as soon as a reduction of his level of attention is sensed. This may result in over-stimulation of the driver resulting, especially during long drives, in a change of the driver's circadian rhythm causing a feeling of jet-lag or depression. The use of the second parameter enables the system to take account of, for example, a previously measured biophysical parameter, or allows taking account of, for example, measurements of a different biophysical parameter related to the first biophysical parameter. Using the previously measured biophysical parameter or the different biophysical parameter allows, for example, detection of a trend in the biophysical parameters which may already indicate that the photobiological state of the vertebrate which must be influenced is changing. When the observed change in the biophysical parameter progresses in a different direction as compared to the required predetermined photobiological state, a different control signal may be necessary as compared to the situation in which the change in the biophysical parameter already progresses in the direction of the required predetermined photobiological state. The synergy between the first biophysical parameter and the second parameter enables the system to determine, for example, exactly at what stage in the circadian rhythm the user is, such that a prediction may be possible of what the user's condition will be when the photobiological state is not influenced, and what is required to obtain the appropriate photobiological state. This may prevent over-stimulation of the vertebrate and increases its well-being.
Alternatively, the second parameter may be an interaction parameter characterizing the interaction of the vertebrate with a device. For example, the keystroke rate at which a person is working on a computer, or the person's steering behavior when driving a car may be a representation of his biological state. Also this interaction parameter enables the system to determine, for example, at what stage in the circadian rhythm the user currently is and what actions are required to obtain the predetermined photobiological state.
The system has the further advantage that it allows a gradual change of the circadian rhythm of the vertebrate, for example, after crossing time zones, or, for example, when adapting to or from night shifts. As the use of the second parameter allows detection of a trend in the biophysical parameter, this trend may be altered to bring the vertebrate back to the circadian rhythm or phase of his choice. Instead of forcing the new circadian rhythm on the vertebrate, a gradual alteration of the trend of the biophysical parameter within the current circadian rhythm enables the current circadian rhythm or phase to be gradually changed into the circadian rhythm of choice while maintaining a relatively high level of well-being for the vertebrate.
In an embodiment of the system, the sensor senses the first biophysical parameter on or in the vertebrate's body. This embodiment has the advantage that the sensing on the vertebrate's body allows a relatively accurate measurement which enables a control signal to more precisely control the photobiological state. This allows control of an amount and a direction of the variation of the photobiological state and prevention of an abrupt change in the photobiological state, thus increasing the vertebrate's well-being.
In an embodiment of the system, the first biophysical parameter and the second parameter are used to determine a phase in a circadian rhythm of the vertebrate. The inventor has realized that the circadian rhythm can be described by using a biophysical parameter which varies in known fashion during the 24-hour cycle of the circadian rhythm. This characteristic variation of the biophysical parameter results in a graph having a characteristic shape. When using, for example, two biophysical parameters measured successively, the known shape of the biophysical parameter may be fitted, which results in a relative accurate determination of the phase in the circadian rhythm of the vertebrate. When using two different biophysical parameters, with the first biophysical parameter having a first characteristic variation in time and the second having a second characteristic variation in time, the combination of the first and second biophysical parameters can be used to relatively accurately determine the phase of the vertebrate in the circadian rhythm. Typically, the time variations of the first and second biophysical parameters are linked.
In an embodiment of the system, the second biophysical parameter is sensed shifted in time with respect to the first biophysical parameter. This embodiment has the advantage that a single sensor is sufficient to accurately determine the circadian rhythm of the vertebrate and allows influencing of the circadian rhythm while maintaining a feeling of well-being in the vertebrate. Furthermore, when the first and second biophysical parameters are identical, this embodiment allows detection of a trend in the change of the first and second biophysical parameters. A comparison of the observed change between the first and second biophysical parameters with the expected change provides additional information about the well-being, state or phase of the circadian rhythm of the vertebrate, which may be used, for example, when altering the photobiological state.
In an embodiment of the system, the second parameter is sensed by a further sensor. When the first biophysical parameter and the second parameter are identical, the further sensor is substantially identical to the sensor. However, the further sensor may also be different as compared to the sensor and may, for example, sense a different physical parameter.
In an embodiment of the system, the sensor and the further sensor are arranged to sense conditions on or in different locations of the vertebrate's body. This embodiment has the advantage that the measurement on different parts of the body provides additional information which can be used to influence the photobiological state. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor and the further sensor are temperature sensors, wherein the sensor senses conditions at a distal (for example, a hand or a foot) of the vertebrate's body and the further sensor senses conditions at a proximal (for example, stomach or thigh) of the body. A temperature difference between distal and proximal may be used as an indication of an onset of sleep.
In an embodiment of the system, the first biophysical parameter and the second parameter are different. Different biophysical parameters are typically linked to one circadian rhythm of the vertebrate and as such typically linked to each other, behaving coherently. The coherent behavior of the different biophysical parameters may be used, for example, to relatively accurately determine the phase in the circadian rhythm of the vertebrate. Alternatively, the registration of an unexpected and incoherent behavior between the first and the second biophysical parameter may be an indication that the vertebrate is not fit or even ill and may trigger an alarm.
In an embodiment of the system, the first and/or the second biophysical parameter are selected from a group comprising skin temperature, body temperature, breathing depth and frequency, electro-encephalogram, electro-oculogram, heart beat, heart beat rate variability and inter heart beat interval, skin conductance, melatonin concentration, cortisol concentration, and body movement, wherein the interaction parameter is selected from a group comprising keystrokes on a computer, steering in a car, and operating a gas pedal in a car. The electro-encephalogram (further also referred to as EEG) is an indication of the vertebrate's brain activity. The electro-oculogram (further also referred to as EOG) is an indication of the vertebrate's eye movement which is an indication of his alertness.
In an embodiment of the system, the control signal controls color, brightness and/or composition of the light emitted by the light source. It is known that especially blue light having a central wavelength of approximately 460 nm (further also referred to as melatonin suppressing blue light) suppresses the production of melatonin and as such influences the circadian rhythm of the vertebrate. The control signal, for example, controls the amount of emission of melatonin suppressing blue light or, for example, replaces the melatonin suppressing blue light by blue light having a different central wavelength and thus having a reduced suppression of the production of melatonin.
In an embodiment of the system, the light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements. The plurality of light-emitting elements is, for example, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (further also referred to as LED), or a plurality of incandescent lamps, or a plurality of low-pressure gas discharge lamps wherein the different lamps comprise different luminescent materials. The different light-emitting elements are preferably dimmable, such that the individual contributions of each light-emitting element can be regulated.
In an embodiment of the system, the feedback signal and/or the control signal are wireless signals. The use of a wireless connection enables a sensor which is applied in the vertebrate's body, such as directly under his skin, or in a capsule which can be swallowed by the vertebrate. The sensor and controller may be part of a body area network (further also referred to as BAN).
In an embodiment of the system, the control signal is generated by combining a third parameter with the first biophysical parameter and the second parameter, the third parameter being selected from a group comprising local time, local date, recent change of time zone, current ambient environmental conditions and recent changes in ambient environmental conditions. Current ambient environmental conditions include, for example, ambient light conditions, ambient temperature conditions, ambient humidity conditions, current climate and weather. The third parameter provides an indication of, for example, the difference between the circadian rhythm of the vertebrate and the circadian rhythm to which the vertebrate wants to adapt.
In an embodiment of the system, influencing of the photobiological state comprises increasing alertness, stabilizing a circadian rhythm, deviating from a circadian rhythm, changing from one circadian rhythm to a further circadian rhythm, improving physiological performance, or controlling the effectivity of the digestive system prior to or during a meal. The increase of alertness may result in, for example, increased safety or optimal performance during, for example, studying for an exam. Changing one circadian rhythm by a further circadian rhythm may be beneficial, for example, when adapting to night shift periods or travelling across time zones. Improved physiological performance includes, for example, improved performance in sporting events.
The invention also relates to a lighting device, a backlighting system for illuminating a display of a display device, and a display device. The lighting device may be used, for example, in an office for illumination during office hours and allows a smooth synchronization of the circadian rhythm of a person working in the office with the current day and night cycle outside, or for improving synchronization with a working/training/(sports)match schedule. Alternatively, the lighting device may be, for example, a desk lamp which may be used for increasing alertness during studying. The backlighting system may be used, for example, for illuminating a liquid crystal display of, for example, a monitor or an LCD television. The backlighting system in a monitor, which is used in an office environment, may be arranged to either allow smooth synchronization of the circadian rhythm of the person working with the monitor with the current day and night cycle outside. Alternatively, the backlighting system may increase alertness, for example, to temporarily optimally function during office hours. The backlighting system in an LCD television may be arranged to prevent any increase in alertness and optimize, for example, sleep at night.
These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
In the drawings:
The Figures are purely diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Particularly for clarity, some dimensions are exaggerated strongly. Similar components in the Figures are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible.
The system 10 also comprises a control circuit 12. The control circuit 12 receives the feedback signal S1, S2 from the sensor 20, 22 and transmits a control signal 16, 17, 18, S3 to the light source 30, 32 for controlling the light source 30, 32 so as to obtain a predetermined photobiological state. The predetermined photobiological state may be an increased alertness of the human 5, or a stabilization of his circadian rhythm, for example, after a disturbance caused, for example, by prolonged exposure to blue light, or a deviation in the circadian rhythm, for example, extending the phase of alertness required to do additional studies before an exam, or a change from one circadian rhythm to a further circadian rhythm, for example, when crossing time zones during traveling. The control circuit 12 comprises a second parameter which represents a further biological state of the human 5. The second parameter may be a second biophysical parameter P2 or an interaction parameter characterizing the interaction of the vertebrate with a device 43, for example, a computer 43 or a car (not shown). The control signal 16, 17, 18, S3 is determined by combining the first with the second biophysical parameter.
The second biophysical parameter may be, for example, the same biophysical parameter as the first, either sensed time shifted with respect to the first biophysical parameter or sensed at a different location on the body of the human 5. The interaction parameter may be, for example, the keystroke rate at which a person is working on a computer 43, or his steering behavior when driving a car (not shown). The combination of the first biophysical parameter with the second parameter may be, for example, a difference between the first and the second biophysical parameter, for example, a temperature difference between a body temperature at one location on the physical structure of the human 5 sensed at different times within his circadian rhythm and, for example, a body temperature at different locations on the body of the human 5. Alternatively, the second parameter may be, for example, a different biophysical parameter as compared to the first biophysical parameter. For example, the first biophysical parameter may be a body temperature and the second biophysical parameter may be a heart beat rate, or a melatonin concentration and a cortisol concentration, respectively. Typically, each of these different biophysical parameters has a characteristic variation during the circadian rhythm of the human 5. When the first and the second biophysical parameter represent different biophysical parameters, the combination may also result in, for example, fitting two curves through the sensed values of the first and second biophysical parameters, each curve representing the variation of one of the first or the second biophysical parameter during the circadian rhythm of the human 5. In this way, a relatively good estimate of the phase in the circadian rhythm of the specific human 5 can be determined. This estimate of the phase of the circadian rhythm may be used to determine what control signal is necessary to obtain the required predetermined photobiological state while substantially maintaining a feeling of well-being by the human 5.
In
The light source 30, 32 of the system 10 according to the invention is arranged to emit light influencing the photobiological state. In
In
In an embodiment of the desk lamp 32 according to the invention, the combined emission of the tungsten lamp L3 and the first LED D2 provides a first color emitted by the desk lamp 32, which changes the photobiological state of the human to, for example, an increased alertness. The combined emission of the tungsten lamp L3 and the second LED D3 provides, for example, a second color emitted by the desk lamp 32, which changes the photobiological state of the human differently to, for example, a decreased alertness.
An embodiment of the desk lamp 32 may also comprise the control circuit 12 (not shown in
In an embodiment of the display device 44, the display device 44 or the backlighting system 40 may comprise the control circuit 12 for receiving the feedback signal S1, S2 (see
Alternatively, the display device 44 may be a cathode ray tube display device.
It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb “comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Use of the article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the 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 measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06118510.4 | Aug 2006 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB07/52958 | 7/25/2007 | WO | 00 | 1/15/2009 |
