Reduced-pressure lighting

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for effecting person decompression and / or other health beneficial effects by controlling one or more attributes of illumination observed by a person, such as color (or wavelength) and / or intensity. Apparatuses or systems provided herein may include area lighting (e.g., for a room, a portion of a room, a vehicle) and / or specific devices (e.g., medical instruments and devices). During operation, the lighting fixture or other light source outputs light in a selected range of the visible spectrum, such as the amber range (e.g., 570-680 nm), the red range (e.g., above 680 nm), and the green range (e.g., 510-540 nm), while avoiding other ranges (e.g., below 510 nm). The light emitted by the system or device may occupy part, most or all of the radiation flux touched by the person, and the decompression effect can be verified by biological or biological recognition detection.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates to the fields of electronics and lighting. More specifically, methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for emitting light in a manner that reduces human stress and / or maintains a relatively stress-free state for humans (e.g., in terms of wavelength and chromatogram).

[0002] Medical and dental patients, students, commuters, office workers, and other groups experience varying degrees of stress due to their health, academic obligations, commuting, work demands, and so on. Many stressful environments are equipped with lighting intended to improve safety or provide illumination for reading and / or physical activities, but this lighting can actually exacerbate stress. For example, bright lighting may be helpful for physical activity, but it can be too bright and glaring, causing visual discomfort.

[0003] Background and area lighting are almost entirely used to support visual function through light wavelengths in the 300 to 700 nanometer range. Visual function relates to the performance of various components of the human visual system, including spectral (color) and contrast discrimination, as well as contrast sensitivity (the ability to perceive contrast). Enhancing the spectrum and increasing intensity levels within the typical visual spectrum can be primarily used to address visual performance issues to support visual function.

[0004] While some professional environments aim to enhance comfort through the implementation of soothing interior design, wall / floor / ceiling colors, comfortable furniture, glare-free lighting, and / or dimmable lighting, lighting color or spectrum has not yet been intelligently adjusted to provide additional benefits such as stress relief. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some embodiments, methods and apparatus are provided for emitting light within one or more known color ranges to significantly reduce or alleviate stress in individuals and maintain a relatively stress-free state. More specifically, the spectra employed in these embodiments can reduce stress markers and cortisol in individuals exposed to light and can also contribute to the generation of positive brainwave patterns. These embodiments may be particularly useful and effective in medical and / or dental settings where patients may be undergoing treatment or stress testing (e.g., using an MRI or magnetic resonance imaging machine) or may be recovering from such treatment or testing. They can also be very helpful in other potentially stressful environments (e.g., while driving, working, or studying).

[0006] In some embodiments, a zone lighting system for a room or other space, or a system comprising one or more individual lighting devices, is configured to permanently or periodically generate light within one or more desired spectra. For example, it can be configured to illuminate one color range for a period of time, then illuminate a different color range for a second period of time, and so on.

[0007] Alternatively, stand-alone lighting fixtures or devices can be configured to produce light as described herein. For example, medical devices or equipment (e.g., MRI, CT (computed tomography) scanners, blood transfusion equipment, pre- / post-operative waiting rooms, etc.), lamps, spotlights, and / or other lighting hardware can be modified to provide light within one or more color ranges. Similarly, a beneficial spectrum can be used to illuminate a relatively small area within a larger space, while some or all of the remaining portions of the larger space can be illuminated in some other way.

[0008] Therefore, in different implementations, the light produced in a specific color range may constitute different portions or proportions of the total radiant flux of some or all of the light sources illuminating a given space or area. For example, in a medical rehabilitation room, the lighting may be configured or adjusted such that the amber range (e.g., 570-680 nm) accounts for not less than 80% of the total flux. Other illustrative conditions or limitations may include (a) another range (e.g., 510-540 nm) accounting for no more than 5% of the total flux, (b) wavelengths above 680 nm accounting for no more than 10% of the total flux, and / or (c) excluding luminous flux below 510 nm.

[0009] As another example, for a zoned lighting system for a room, 50% to 100% of the total radiant flux emitted by the lighting hardware in that area can be concentrated at approximately 590 nanometers (amber), allowing for some margin (e.g., 50 nanometers). For smaller areas, such as when the lighting system provided herein is embedded in a medical device or apparatus, the proportion of colored (i.e., non-white) light output in the total radiant flux can be higher (e.g., up to 100%).

[0010] The embodiments can be implemented in private and / or public areas, and can provide particular benefit in places such as medical offices and waiting rooms, operating rooms, rehabilitation rooms, lounges for medical and professional staff, treatment areas for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, mental illness, bereavement, and pediatric diseases. Furthermore, individual devices illuminating limited areas (e.g., lamps, overhead lights) can benefit individuals engaged in stressful activities. Therefore, a student's study area, or at least a portion of the area he or she sees while studying, can be illuminated with one or more lighting devices that output the spectrum described herein. Similarly, a car can emit interior light using the aforementioned customized spectrum in areas visible to the driver and / or passengers. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 The recovery rates of subjects under stress, exposed to different spectra, are shown according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 2This is a flowchart illustrating a method for applying a spectral scheme according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 3A -B illustrates an example lighting device, according to some embodiments, that can be used to emit light according to a specific spectral scheme to reduce stress. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed embodiments, and is given in the context of one or more practical applications and their requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but should be given the widest scope consistent with this disclosure.

[0015] In the embodiments disclosed herein, systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for stress reduction and / or providing other health benefits through intelligent lighting, particularly in terms of the color spectrum used to illuminate a room, a portion of a room, an activity, a medical device, or other spaces or objects. Different colors or wavelengths of light can be combined in different proportions or ratios to enhance well-being and / or maintain a (relatively) stress-free state when reducing stress and anxiety.

[0016] In some implementations, discrete spectroscopy is applied to medical and related healthcare environments. These applications aid in recovery from stressful and / or invasive examinations / tests / medical procedures, including MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography) scans, X-rays, colonoscopies, outpatient surgeries, blood draws, intravenous infusions, etc. For example, the tubular housing of an MRI machine can be configured to primarily (or only) utilize a specific portion of the spectrum to provide a comforting, stress-relieving ambient environment. The room or space where the machine is located can use light of the same color, but in varying proportions.

[0017] However, similarly, other spaces can be configured with the lighting spectrum described herein to improve the mental health of those within the space. For example, the interior of a car or other vehicle can be designed to expose the driver and / or passengers to a beneficial spectrum and intensity. Similarly, a student's study area can be designed to provide the same benefits.

[0018] Previously, there was a significant lack of evidence-based data to support stress-relieving lighting as a recommended practice, based on biometrics, bio / chemical tests, or other measurable factors. Most past studies were anecdotal or involved subject testing using preference-based research methods, which are often fraught with experimental challenges and / or cultural biases, limiting the general applicability of observations.

[0019] However, recent research related to the development of the embodiments described herein has shown that the non-visual effects of light on health and well-being are primarily related to circadian rhythms and hormonal balance. For example, melanin receptors are particularly sensitive to spectral content within the 480 nm range (blue-green), leading to appropriate suppression of melatonin and circadian entrainment. However, at night, excessive exposure to high light levels, particularly in the blue-green spectral range, can have detrimental effects on the circadian rhythm system by suppressing melatonin. Conversely, low levels of light at night can alleviate circadian rhythm disruption. Near-infrared (IR) radiation in the 750–1200 nm range has also been shown to support circadian rhythm synchrony.

[0020] The embodiments described herein draw upon findings from subject-controlled studies using discrete spectroscopy to alleviate stress or aid recovery from stressful events. The primary objective of this study was to identify spectra that could lower cortisol and produce enhanced brainwave patterns indicative of stress reduction. In this study, individual subjects were placed under stress, and their brainwave patterns and cortisol levels were monitored before, during, and after the stressful period (e.g., via EEG and saliva tests, respectively), and they were exposed to discrete spectroscopy after the stressful period. The experiment was repeated for a range of colors.

[0021] For the testing, a color isolation chamber was used, which could potentially introduce any color spectrum. Within this chamber, the lighting system and apparatus provided only indirect light, meaning the subject saw only reflected light and not exposed or uncovered LEDs, bulbs, or other strong light sources. The lighting system illuminated the entire isolation chamber, ensuring that the selected spectrum was the only light visible to the subject.

[0022] Stress tests were performed on each group of subjects using standardized techniques. Subjects were then exposed to a specific color spectrum, and cortisol / EEG patterns were monitored throughout. The results showed that: (1) the careful introduction of amber spectrum could produce a stress-relieving or reducing effect on subjects; and (2) examination of anterior α (8-12 Hz) asymmetry between the left and right hemispheres (using EEG) indicated that light concentrated in the amber range had the most significant and positive effect on stress reduction.

[0023] Figure 1The recovery rates of subjects under stress in the aforementioned study were shown when exposed to different spectra. Recovery Figure 100 shows the normalized alpha lateralization index (RH-LH) over time for each of the multiple spectra, represented as amber 110, white 112, red 114, green 116, and blue 118. Amber curve 110 corresponds to recovery light in the 570–680 nm range, white curve 112 to a range of [missing information], red curve 114 to a range of 440–700 nm, green curve 116 to a range of 500–560 nm, and blue curve 118 to a range of 440–480 nm. Therefore, Figure 100 demonstrates that applying light within discrete spectra to individuals recovering from stressful events has a significant impact.

[0024] This study was conducted in an enclosed room approximately 8 feet wide, 8 feet long, and 9 feet high. The walls and ceiling had a matte white finish with high reflectivity (approximately 80% to 85%). Two rows of four-channel color-changing RGBA (red, green, blue, and alpha channels (used to indicate opacity)) lighting fixtures were horizontally mounted on the four walls, 6.5 feet from the finished backlighting panel (AFF), to produce indirect lighting reflected from the upper and lower portions of the ceiling and walls. A total of 16 four-foot-long fixtures with 100° x 100° beam optics were installed in the room, but concealed behind decorative panels extending 4 inches from the walls.

[0025] This configuration helps avoid potential glare for participants and helps create evenly distributed lighting throughout the space. More specifically, the illuminance at working height (approximately 2.5 feet AFF) is 50 lux (approximately 5-foot candles)—an illuminance sufficient for visual comfort without creating high contrast or direct eye contact with the lighting fixtures.

[0026] In addition to identifying the spectrum that is particularly effective for decompression (i.e., amber light in the 570 to 680 nm range, especially 580–600 nm), this study also suggests that avoiding or limiting other spectra is preferable. For example, although the effect of amber wavelengths is most pronounced when amber light accounts for 100% of the luminous flux perceived by a person under pressure, this can be reduced to about 80–85% of the total flux and still provides significant benefits.

[0027] However, it was also determined that when the amber spectrum accounts for less than 100% of the flux, the maximum 10% of the total flux should be at wavelengths other than amber (i.e., above 680 nm), the maximum 5% of the total flux should be in the green wavelength range (e.g., 510–540 nm), and flux below 510 nm (corresponding to blue-green) should not be included.

[0028] Within these scopes, lighting for a particular area, activity, or machine can be adjusted for purposes other than stress relief or reduction. For example, a specific composition of light experienced by a person can be designed to influence their ability to perform activities such as driving, reading, or using tools.

[0029] Allowing up to 15% of the spectrum to be outside the amber range can create a more natural environment, allowing people to better observe colors and patterns and perform the desired activities. Of course, when the primary or sole focus is on improving a person's mental state during or after a stressful event or process, a narrower spectral distribution (reaching or approaching 100% amber) may be needed.

[0030] Therefore, the lighting fixtures and systems described herein can be programmed to emit light based on these limiting factors and / or other factors, such as detected or observed stress levels, or the duration for which the lighting fixture / system can operate. For example, the location or space where stress-relief lighting is installed may include one or more sensors that automatically sample the light and determine its composition. When the flux proportion in the amber range drops or may drop below 80%, the lighting system may stop emitting light of other wavelengths or adjust the ratio of emitted light in different color ranges. For example, sunlight may illuminate the space (e.g., through windows or around window decorations), white light may enter the space from adjacent spaces or through doors, or the lighting of the space may change in some other way. By detecting changes in lighting, the system can automatically correct itself within programmed thresholds and parameter ranges.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for applying a spectral scheme to produce a stress-relieving effect according to some embodiments. One or more of the steps shown may be omitted, repeated, and / or performed in a different order. Therefore, Figure 2 The specific arrangement of the steps shown should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments.

[0032] In operation 202, a system comprising one or more devices for emitting light in a range of colors (or wavelengths) other than white is used to improve a room, a portion of a room, a compartment, a seating area of ​​a vehicle, equipment (e.g., medical devices), or some other space. For example, one or more lighting devices (e.g., LEDs, lamps, light tubes, spotlights) further described below may be installed to support the illustrated method. These devices may be integral components of the space or equipment (i.e., built into it during construction) or added after the space or equipment has been constructed.

[0033] In operation 204, one or more controllers for controlling the operation of the lighting fixture are programmed or otherwise configured. Although in some embodiments the controller may be included in the lighting fixture, in other embodiments the system includes a hardware or software controller (e.g., a DMX controller) located outside the lighting fixture and capable of controlling any or all of the independent devices.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, programming the controller may include configuring one or more preset options for controlling the light emitted by the lighting device, particularly in terms of color / wavelength, but also in terms of intensity, operating duration, and automatic switching from one lighting scheme to another. The lighting scheme or ratio used herein refers to the ratio or proportion of fluxes of different portions of the spectrum combined to produce the light output of the lighting system. Thus, a first scheme may consist of only amber light. A second scheme may consist of (approximately) 85% amber light, 5% green light, and 10% red light. Other schemes may combine any colors in any desired ratio. The controller may also (or alternatively) be manually operated to change the scheme as needed during operation.

[0035] In optional operation 206, the lighting system and / or one or more independent lighting devices are limited by a lighting scheme (e.g., through programming of a controller) that ensures the emitted light is configured to consistently produce the aforementioned stress-relieving effect. More specifically, when limited, during system or device operation, the total emitted luminous flux will always contain 80% to 100% amber luminous flux (e.g., 570-680 nm). Furthermore, light below 510 nm will not be emitted, the proportion of the total luminous flux in the green range (e.g., 510-550 nm) will not exceed 5%, and the proportion of luminous flux with wavelengths exceeding 680 nm will not exceed 10%.

[0036] In operation 208, the lighting system is activated manually or automatically. For example, when part of a medical device (e.g., an MRI machine), the lighting system may activate when the device is powered on or when a patient is inside or near the device. When part of a vehicle, the lighting system may activate when the vehicle starts, when someone rides in it, or when it begins to move. When part of a room or space, the lighting system may activate when one or more people are present, when they express a desire for stress relief, or according to a timed schedule (e.g., operating at a specific time of day). In some embodiments, a stress-relieving lighting scheme is activated when someone activates a controller (e.g., by turning on a switch).

[0037] In operation 210, the light distribution output by the lighting system can be changed automatically and / or manually over time, subject to any applicable limitations as described above. For example, when the system illuminates a medical rehabilitation room, it may initially emit only (or almost only) amber light to provide maximum stress relief. After a period of time (e.g., minutes, hours), the distribution may be changed to incorporate other colors of light, perhaps to facilitate movement (e.g., reading), to display colors that the patient finds soothing or comfortable, or for other reasons.

[0038] Similarly, a lighting system in another space (e.g., a car, a study area) may emit less flux of light in the amber spectrum when it is started, while some other discrete colors or white may have more flux, but this may then change over time, increasing the proportion of amber light, possibly due to the detection of greater stress or the occurrence of a stress event.

[0039] Furthermore, programmed (and / or manual) restrictions can be in effect at all times, or only at specified times. For example, during a portion of the day, such as in the morning, the room may be naturally illuminated by sunlight or white light. Restrictions can then be activated (in conjunction with blinds or other blackout curtains if necessary) to achieve a stress-relieving or alleviating effect. Operation 210 can continue indefinitely, or the lighting system can be turned off when not needed (e.g., at night, during patient appointments).

[0040] In optional operation 212, biometric data can be collected from one or more individuals observing the light from the illumination system. In different implementations, different acquisition methods can be employed, such as saliva testing, observation of pupil size, determination of pulse rate, recognition of facial expressions, or measurement of brainwave patterns via EEG. The data may indicate a need to change the illumination ratio to enhance or diminish the stress-reducing effect (e.g., by increasing or decreasing the proportion of amber light), or it may indicate that the current ratio is providing the desired effect and does not require change. Therefore, after operation 212, the method may return to operation 210 or may terminate.

[0041] The lighting system described herein can include any number of lighting devices capable of emitting light of all desired colors, which may or may not include white light. For example, in the study above, multiple wall-mounted devices were installed around an enclosed space (room). Each device includes four LEDs or LED chips, producing red, green, blue, and amber light respectively. A DMX (Digital Multiplexing) controller controls which LEDs are activated at a given time, and their relative intensities when colors other than red, green, blue, and amber are required.

[0042] Figure 3A -B illustrates a lighting device for providing the stress-relief effect described in some embodiments. Figure 3A The devices shown can be controlled by controller 302 (e.g., in terms of the color and intensity of the light they emit). Figure 3B The devices can be controlled by an internal controller or an external controller (such as controller 302). Controller 302 can communicate with each lighting device via wired and / or wireless technologies and protocols.

[0043] One or more ceiling panels 312 can illuminate an area with diffused and colored light and can be suspended from the ceiling or flush with the ceiling surface. Wall lamps 314 can provide direct light or, as described above, indirect light when installed behind decorative panels or other partial obstructions.

[0044] Flexible nodes 316 allow for irregular placement of lamps that provide stress-relieving colored light, while floodlights 318 allow for direct or indirect illumination of relatively large areas. For example, table lamps 320 and floor lamps or tall lamps 322 can emit stress-relieving light in relatively small areas, providing localized benefits to people performing activities in those areas.

[0045] Vehicle 330 (e.g., an automobile) may include lighting devices or equipment to benefit the vehicle operator and / or passengers. The lighting within vehicle 330 may work in conjunction with window tinting technology and / or primarily operate when light emitted from interior equipment is not obscured by external light (e.g., during the day). In some embodiments, decompression lighting in vehicle 330 may be located on the roof to provide diffused lighting throughout most or all of the passenger compartment. In other embodiments, lighting may emanate from door panels, below the dashboard, under or behind seats, the floor, etc. To avoid distracting or glaring the vehicle operator, some or all light sources may be blocked or shielded to provide primarily or only indirect light.

[0046] In the MRI machine 340, decompression illumination is built into (or added to) the aperture in which the patient lies. For example, one or more light sources may be located inside the aperture and / or outside the aperture and illuminating the aperture. Different colors and / or different intensities of light may be used outside the aperture. For example, inside the aperture, all or almost all of the light flux perceived by the patient may be within a known color range, such as amber. Outside the aperture, the flux ratio may be less than 100% amber, possibly for the convenience of technicians or medical professionals caring for the patient.

[0047] Therefore, in some embodiments, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are controlled (individually and / or multiple times) to dynamically produce a desired range of color spectrum, and their intensity and time (in addition to color) can be adjusted. For example, a semiconductor chip containing LEDs for emitting light of different wavelengths and circuitry for controlling light emission can be easily integrated into virtually any lighting device or any equipment that has or can have internal lighting. Depending on the type of lighting device used (e.g., indirect wall lights, ceiling lights, table lamps / floor lamps), discrete color control within a relatively narrow spectral distribution range can be achieved over an area of ​​any size to achieve the desired effect. LED chips or other similar lighting components can also be integrated into specialized equipment and supporting hardware, such as MRI machines.

[0048] The above embodiments are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the forms disclosed. Therefore, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: One or more light-emitting devices; and A controller for controlling the total light emitted by the light-emitting device to alleviate the stress experienced by one or more people observing the total light.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more light-emitting devices include a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light-emitting device can be selectively operated so that the total light includes a single range of the visible spectrum.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The single range of the visible spectrum includes a wavelength range of 570-680 nanometers.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light-emitting device can be selectively operated so that the total light includes a mixture of multiple ranges of the visible spectrum, while avoiding one or more other ranges of the visible spectrum.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The ranges include a wavelength range of 570-680 nm and one or more of the following: (a) a wavelength range of 510-540 nm and (b) a wavelength range above 680 nm.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The one or more other ranges include wavelength ranges below 510 nanometers.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light-emitting device includes one or more area lighting devices that provide indirect lighting for the one or more persons.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light-emitting device includes one or more area lights.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The device is a vehicle.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The device includes medical devices.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The medical device includes at least one of the following: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine; CT (Computed Tomography) scanner; X-ray machine; Infusion equipment; and Medical display equipment.

13. A method comprising: Activate one or more light sources capable of emitting light within a selected wavelength range of the visible spectrum; as well as Control the total emission of the one or more light sources to reduce personnel stress.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The control includes controlling the light source such that a first wavelength range of 570-680 nanometers accounts for at least 80% of the total emission.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The control also includes controlling the light source such that: The wavelength range of 510-540 nanometers accounts for no more than 5% of the total emission.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The control also includes controlling the light source such that: Wavelengths above 680 nanometers account for no more than 10% of the total emission.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein, The control also includes controlling the light source such that: The total emission does not include light in the wavelength range below 510 nanometers.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Determine the stress levels of the subjects; as well as The total emission is adjusted based on the measured pressure level.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Adjusting the total emission includes increasing the proportion of the first wavelength range.

20. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The control includes increasing or decreasing the intensity of one or more wavelength ranges of the total emission.

21. A vehicle comprising: A seat for one or more people; One or more light-emitting devices; and A controller is used to control the composition of light emitted by the one or more light-emitting devices in order to reduce the stress level of the one or more people.

22. The vehicle according to claim 21, wherein, The controller is operable to cause the light emitted by the one or more light-emitting devices to include one or more of the following: Green flux in the 510-540 nm wavelength range; Amber flux in the 570-680 nm wavelength range; and Red flux in the wavelength range above 680 nanometers.

23. The vehicle according to claim 22, wherein: The amber flux accounts for no less than 80% of the light emitted by the one or more light-emitting devices; The green flux accounts for no more than 5% of the light emitted by the one or more light-emitting devices; and The red flux accounts for no more than 10% of the light emitted by the one or more light-emitting devices.

24. The vehicle according to claim 22, wherein, The light emitted by the one or more light-emitting devices does not contain luminous flux below 510 nanometers.

25. The vehicle according to claim 21, wherein, The composition of the light emitted by the one or more light-emitting devices can be selected by the one or more persons.

26. The vehicle according to claim 21, wherein, The composition of the light emitted by the one or more light-emitting devices is automatically adjusted by the controller based on the determination of the stress level of the one or more individuals.

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