Light therapy device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a light therapy device 100 which may be used in the treatment of physiological and / or psychological processes. The light therapy device comprises a mount 108 and a se

Description

Field of the Invention

[01] The present disclosure relates to a light therapy device; that is, a device which provides illumination designed to aid a body’s physical or psychological processes. In particular, the present disclosure is concerned with a light therapy device which may conveniently provide a range of therapies. Background

[02] Light plays an important role in the physiological processes of a human body. Recent studies on the effects of light on the human body have shown that certain light wavelengths can have a positive effect on the human body.

[03] For example, red light has been shown to produce a biochemical effect in cells that strengthens the mitochondria, where the cell’s energy is created. The energy-carrying molecule found in cells is called adenosine triphosphate ‘ATP’, and so by increasing the function of the mitochondria using RLT, a cell can make more ATP. With more energy, cells can function more efficiently, rejuvenate themselves, and repair damage.

[04] A lack of suitable light can have negative impacts on a persons health. For example, seasonal affective disorder, SAD, sometimes known as winter depression, is a condition that can arise from reduced sunlight during Autumn and Winter days; i.e. when daylight hours are reduced. Symptoms of SAD include low mood, apathy, irritability, feelings of despair, lethargy, increased sleep, and weight gain, among others.

[05] Light therapy, sometimes also called phototherapy, aims to simulate the benefits of day to day light exposure for the associated benefits by the exposure of artificial light at controlled wavelengths.

[06] However, existing light therapy products have a number of downsides including, but not limited to, equipment dedicated to a particular purpose (e.g., red light therapy), is often bulky, and the timescale of required treatments.

[07] Hence it is highly desirable to provide an alternative means for light therapy that is more convenient and useful to a user. Summary

[08] The present invention is defined according to the independent claims. Additional features will be appreciated from the dependent claims and the description herein. Any embodiments which are described but which do not fall within the scope of the claims are to be interpreted merely as examples useful for a better understanding of the invention.

[09] The example embodiments have been provided with a view to addressing at least some of the difficulties that are encountered with current light therapy devices, whether those difficulties have been specifically mentioned above or will otherwise be appreciated from the discussion herein.

[10] In particular, it is an aim of the example embodiments to provide a modular unit of (LED) lights of predetermined shape and size which emit research-based health lighting (i.e., light therapy) at specific wavelengths, light intensities, colour temperatures, and so on, for use in the home, and which therefore may be deployed on a range of surfaces and locations, for example a table or countertop.

[11] Suitably, in one aspect of the invention there may be provided light therapy device which may be used in the treatment of physiological and / or psychological processes. The light therapy device comprises a mount and a set of light therapy modules, which are preferably configured to have substantially the same size and shape (for ease of modularity, as well as aesthetics), and further preferably cube like.

[12] The set of light therapy modules comprises at least a first light therapy module and a second light therapy module. Each light therapy module in the set comprises means to detachably couple to the mount, and a light source configured to output a therapeutic light emission, wherein the first light therapy module in the set is configured to output a different therapeutic light emission to the second light therapy module in the set. Thus the modular light therapy device may be readily configured to treat multiple conditions simultaneously and conveniently from the same location, and may be readily adapted to the specific needs of the user by switching out the specific modules used in the set.

[13] In an example, the set of light therapy modules may optionally comprise a third light therapy module and optionally a fourth light therapy module. The mount may be suitably configured to allow attachment of these extra modules. The third light therapy module may be configured to output a different therapeutic light emission to the first and second light therapy modules, or the same therapeutic light emission as either the first or second light therapy module. The fourth light therapy module may similarly be configured to output the same therapeutic light emission as any one of the first to third light therapy modules, or different therapeutic light emission to each of the first to third modules. Thus the device may be readily adapted to treat more, or less, conditions depending on the needs of the user.

[14] In an example, the set of light therapy modules may be configured to output therapeutic light emission to provide one or more of circadian rhythm lighting, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) lighting, red therapy lighting, and green therapy lighting. Circadian rhythm lighting can enhance concentration, prevent sleeping disorders, and improve a person’s general wellbeing. SAD lighting can help mitigate depression caused by SAD. Red therapy lighting can treat skin and muscle conditions. Green therapy lighting can reduce the severity of headaches and migraines. Thus it will be appreciated that the presently described device may conveniently and readily support the health of the user in a variety of ways.

[15] In an example, the means to detachably couple to the mount comprises one of resiliently biased members configured to friction fit to the mount or magnets configured to magnetically couple to one or more corresponding magnet components on the mount (for example a magnetic rail). In this convenient and easy interchangeability of the modules may be achieved.

[16] In an example, each of the light therapy modules in the set may comprises a rechargeable battery, which may be charged via a suitable connector (which may be accessible while the module is in use for effective mains supply power if needed). In this way the device may be rendered portable.

[17] In an example, each of the light therapy modules may comprise a radio frequency communications unit, such as a Bluetooth frequency radio, by which the module may communicate with an external device to receive instruction on control of that light module.

[18] In an example, the light therapy device may comprises a driver module communicatively coupled to the set of light therapy modules (e.g., by Bluetooth, or by physical connectors between modules), which may be configured to control an operation of the light sources of the set of light therapy modules (e.g., on / off, wavelength, colour temperature, etc).

[19] In a related aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising an electronic user device comprising a radio frequency communications unit, and the aforementioned light therapy device. Each of the set of light therapy modules is configured to communicatively couple with the electronic user device (either directly or via the driver), and suitably a light source of a light therapy module in the set is configured to be controlled based on a control signal received from the electronic user device.

[20] In an example, the electronic user device may be configured to obtain health data corresponding to the user, and configured to format and transmit a control signal to one or more of the set of light therapy modules (again, either direct or via the driver) based on the obtained health data. In this way the light therapy device may automatically control operation of the light therapy device. Brief Description of the Drawings

[21] For a better understanding of the present disclosure reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[22] Fig. 1 shows a front perspective view of an example light therapy device;

[23] Fig. 2 shows a rear perspective view of an example light therapy device;#

[24] Fig. 3 shows a schematic of an example light therapy module used in the light therapy device; and

[25] Fig. 4 shows an example system comprising an example light therapy device. Detailed Description

[26] At least some of the following example embodiments provide an improved light therapy device. The example device is simple and convenient for the user. Many other advantages and improvements will be discussed in more detail herein.

[27] Figure 1 shows an example light therapy device. The device comprises a mount 102 to which a set 104 of light therapy modules are attachable.

[28] The mount comprises a base 106 configured to balance the light therapy device 100 on a surface. That is, a base 106 configured to provide a stable platform when the light therapy modules 104 are attached to the mount 102 (and also when the modules aren’t attached). In the present example the base 106 is shown as substantially fan shaped comprising an obtusely angled arc. It will be appreciated that other configurations for the base 106 may also be employed. Suitably the base 106 allows for the light therapy device 100 to be disposed on a substantially flat surface, such as a table / desk top and the like.

[29] The mount also comprises a rail 108 to which the set of light therapy modules 104 are attachable. Suitably, the rail 108 may be configured to receive and detachably engage with the set of light therapy modules 104. Here the rail 108 is shown as substantially vertical; that is, orthogonal to the substantially horizontal (in intended usage) of the base 106. It will of course be appreciated that other orientations of the rail 108 may be appropriate, when designed in combination with the base 106 to ensure suitable stability. For example, the rail 108 may be configured to protrude at an angle from the base 106. Moreover, a length of the rail may be suitably chosen depending on the total number in the set of light therapy modules 104 which are intended to be attachable to the device. In preferred examples, the rail 108 may be configured to receive a set of light therapy modules comprising two light therapy modules (Fig. 1), comprising three light therapy modules (Figs. 2), or comprising four light therapy modules (Fig. 4).

[30] As shown, the set of modules 104 comprises at least two modules 104a, 104b. That is, a first light therapy module 104a and a second light therapy module 104b. Each of the light therapy modules 104 is configured to have substantially the same size and shape, for both ease of construction and use. Here the light therapy modules are preferably cube like to facilitate ease of useability (e.g., ease of stacking on the rail 108). Although it will be appreciated that other shapes may be appropriate depending on intended usage, in the following the light therapy modules 104 will be referred to as light cubes 104, although this is only exemplary.

[31] Each light cube in the set of light cubes 104 comprises a light source 110. Suitably, the first light cube 104a may be considered to comprise a first light source 110a, and the second light cube 104b may be considered to comprise a second light source 110b. Put another way, the light therapy device comprises a set of light sources 110 corresponding to the set of light cubes 104.

[32] Each light cube in the set 104 (more specifically, the light source 110 thereof) is configured to output therapeutic light emission. That is, illuminance having at least one of a predetermined wavelength, light intensity, and colour temperature intended to treat a certain (predetermined) disorder or provide a predetermined therapeutic benefit (e.g., as determined by suitable research into health benefits of the light emission). Suitably, at least two of the light cubes in the set are configured to output different therapeutic light. In this way the (single) light therapy device 100, which may be conveniently located in a frequently used space (e.g., a home work space), may output different therapeutic light for the user’s needs at the same time. This is much more convenient than having to arrange and use multiple different light therapy devices.

[33] More generally, when the set of light cubes 104 comprises more than two modules / cubes, each of the light cubes may be configured to provide different light therapy emission; thereby enhancing the range of therapies provided to the user. Alternatively, two or more of the modules / cubes may be configured to output the same light emission, so as to increase exposure to a certain type of therapy.

[34] Put another way, the first cube 104a may output a first therapeutic light emission, and the second cube 104b may output a second therapeutic light emission, different to the first therapeutic light emission. When the set of cubes 104 comprises a third cube 104c (i.e., a third light therapy module), the third cube 104c is preferably configured to output a third therapeutic light emission different to the first and second light emissions. Alternatively, the third cube 104c may be configured to output one of the first or second therapeutic light emissions (i.e., the third cube 104c is a copy of the first or second cube as appropriate). When the set of cubes 104 comprises a fourth light cube 104d (i.e., a fourth light therapy module), the fourth cube 104d is preferably configured to output a fourth therapeutic light emission different to the first, second, and third light emissions. Alternatively, the fourth cube 104d may be configured to output one of the first to third therapeutic light emissions; moreover, in one example, the fourth cube 104d may be configured to output one of the first or second light emission, while the third cube is configured to output the other of the first or second light emission.

[35] Byway of example, each of the light sources 110 of the light cubes in the set 104 may be configured to output therapeutic light emission selected from among circadian rhythm lighting, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) lighting, red therapy lighting, and green therapy lighting. Put another way, the first light emission mentioned above may correspond to circadian rhythm lighting, the second light emission may correspond to the SAD lighting, the third light emission may correspond to red therapy lighting, and the fourth light emission may correspond to green therapy lighting.

[36] A circadian rhythm is a roughly 24 hour internal clock in the physiological processes of an organism. In humans, circadian rhythm is generally regarded as cycling the human body between alert and rest periods, and is normally maintained on schedule by extraneous cues such as sunlight and temperature. Generally cooler lighting, such as that of a midday sun, stimulates a period of high awareness, when one usually wants to be alert. Conversely warmer lighting, such as that of a setting sun, stimulates a drop in awareness, when one might be preparing for rest. In this way the solar cycle refreshes the human 24 hour internal clock.

[37] Artificially supporting the human circadian rhythm can enhance concentration, prevent sleeping disorders, and improve a person’s general wellbeing. With a general trend in society towards office work, artificial support for the circadian rhythm will only increase in importance.

[38] Suitably, to provide circadian rhythm lighting (i.e., the first therapeutic light emission), a light source in the set 110 (e.g., first light source 110a) may be configured to output light with different colour temperature at different times of day, according to the needs of the user. For example, to simulate solar outputs normally associated with waking up (e.g., early morning light), the light source may be configured to generate a cool light colour temperature in a range of 4500K to 6500K, possibly up to 10,000K. To simulate solar output associated with resting (e.g., evening light), a light source in the set 110 may be configured to generate an output with colour temperature in a range of 2500Kto 3500K.

[39] Combatting seasonal affective disorder involves exposing a sufferer to simulated sunlight (in a different way to circadian rhythm lighting). Suitably, to provide SAD lighting (i.e., the second therapeutic light emission), a light source in the set 110 (e.g., the second light source 110b) may be configured to output light with a colour temperature approximating that of natural sunlight during e.g., midday. More specifically, the SAD lighting unit emits light corresponding to the visible spectrum of sunlight between 400 and 700 nm, while filtering out (or simply not generating) light in the ultra-violet ‘UV’ spectrum, as such light is harmful to skin and eyes.

[40] For SAD light therapy, it is generally recommended that the recipient expose their eyes (indirectly, not looking direct at the light source) to a light exposure of 10,000 lux (i.e. luminous flux per unit area, or lumens per square metre), at a distance of 40 to 60 centimetres from the light source, for between 20 and 30 minutes. Thus a light source configured to generate SAD lighting is preferably configured to yield an illuminance of 10,000 lux at between 40 to 60 centimetres from the light cube. Suitably, for an expected use case where the light therapy device 100 is disposed on a desk while working, SAD lighting emission may be controlled to cycle on-off periods so that the advised illumination overtime may be achieved over different periods of the day (e.g., a morning period of 20 to 30 minutes activation, and an afternoon period of activation, and off at other times).

[41] Red light emission may be considered as light emission configured to treat conditions such as wrinkles, scars, wounds, and muscle atrophy; the list is non-exhaustive. To provide red-therapy lighting (i.e., the third therapeutic light emission), a light source in the set 110 (e.g., the third light source 110c) may be configured to output at least one of red light and near infrared light.

[42] Here red light may be taken to be light in the range of 610 nanometres (nm) to 750 nm, preferably from about 610 nm to about 630 nm, while infrared light may be taken to be light in the range of 751 nm to 1000 nm.. It will be appreciated that the output from the light source may be restricted to one of these ranges (i.e. either red or infrared emission) or may output a combination. In a preferred example, the light source outputs red light centred at two different wavelengths: 660 nm and near infrared light at 850 nm.

[43] For the red light to have suitable therapeutic effects, it is recommended that the light source outputs the red light and / or the near infrared light at an irradiance of between 100 and 170 milliwatts (mW) as measured at the surface of the light source (i.e., essentially at the surface of the light cube 104c). The person receiving RLT is recommended to stand about 15 to 30 centimetres (cm) from the light source. Usually, a time over which a user is intended to expose themselves to the red / infrared light depends on the irradiance. Higher irradiance lighting requires less time exposure to realise the benefits. Typically, around 2 to 15 minutes is recommended (depending on irradiance). A light therapy device with a red light module 110c may be configured to activate for defined periods during the day, similarly to a SAD light module 110b.

[44] Green therapy lighting may be light emission configured to promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, and combat headaches and migraines. To provide green-therapy lighting (i.e., the fourth therapeutic light emission), a light source in the set 110 (e.g., the fourth light source 110d) may be configured (as the name suggests) to output light at green wavelengths between about 495 nm and 570 nm. In a preferred example, the wavelength of the light may be centred at about 520 nm, with an output bandwidth of up to about 20nm.

[45] Figure 2 shows another view of the light therapy device 100, here demonstrated with first to third cubes 104a-c in the set of light cubes 104, and with corresponding set of light sources 110a-c. As can be seen from Figure 2, each light cube in the set 104 comprises means 112 to detachably couple to the mount 102. More specifically, the means 112 are configured to detachably couple a respective cube in the set 104 via the rail 108.

[46] In one example, the means to detachably couple the cubes 104 to the mount 102 are friction based. That is, the means may frictionally engage the mount 102, e.g., by a push fit. For example, as shown, each of the means 112 may comprise members 114 which are resiliently biased inwards in order to grip the rail 108.

[47] In another, preferred, example, the means 112 to detachably couple the cubes 104 to the mount 102 are magnetic. Here the rail 108 may be formed from a magnetic material, and the members 114 may be provided with magnets which are configured to magnetically grip the rail 108 at any point along its length, so as to provide flexibility in positioning of the set of light cubes 104. In another example, the rail 108 may be provided with a plurality a magnets, interspersed along its (vertical) length, configured to magnetically couple to the magnets on the members 114; e.g., there may be a 1:1 correspondence between magnets on the rail 108 and magnets on the members 114. In this way the light therapy device may be conveniently configured to set the position on the cubes 104 along the rail.

[48] Suitably, in the present example each cube in the set of light cubes 104 is configured with the light source 110 disposed to emit light from a first surface of the light cube, while the means to detachably couple to the mount 112 are disposed on a second surface of the light cube. In this preferred example, the first surface is disposed oppositely to the second surface, so that when attached to the mount each light cube in the set 104 emits light away from the mount 102 (i.e., away from the rail 108). Other arrangements, such as where the light source is arranged on a surface adjacent to the surface with the means 112, are also possible.

[49] Figure 3 shows a schematic of a light cube a-d in the set of cubes 104 in more detail.

[50] Each module / cube comprises a controller 114 configured to control an operation of the light source 110. The light source 110 may be comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the controller 114 suitably configured to control at least one of an on-off operation, a change in operational colour temperature, a change in operational wavelength, and a change in intensity of the LEDs. The cube may comprise a storage 115 configured to store lighting profiles to be applied by the controller 114 to the light source 110.

[51] Each cube may also comprise a radio frequency (RF) communications unit 116 which is suitably configured to transmit and receive RF signals. The RF unit 116 may be preferably configured to transmit / receive short range RF communications, such as those transmitted at Bluetooth frequencies using corresponding Bluetooth protocols. In this way the controller 114, which is coupled to the RF comms unit 116, may remotely receive a signal which instructs appropriate control of the light source 110, or updates a lighting profile stored in the storage 115 (to then be applied by the controller 114). For example, the light cube may receive a signal from an electronic user device such as a mobile phone.

[52] Each cube in the set 104 also comprises a battery 118, which is preferably rechargeable. Suitably, the cube may comprise electrical connectors 120 for receiving external power. In one example, the connector 120 may be provided on a surface of the light cube, such as a bottom surface (with respect to the orientation of the cube when attached to the mount) to hide it from view in use. In this case the connector may be of a generic format such as USB type C. In another example, the connector 120 may be provided on the means 112 for detachably coupling the cube to the mount 102. In the particular example where the means 112 are magnetic, the electrical connectors may be disposed along side (or form part of) the coupling magnets.

[53] In an example, each cube a-d in the set 104 may also comprise a proximity sensor 121. The proximity sensor 121 may be, for example, an infra-red sensor. The proximity sensor 121 may be configured to control the operation of the light source 110 based on a signal detected by the sensor 121.

[54] More specifically, the sensor 121 may be used to determine that a user is in an optimum position for the therapeutic light output by the light source 110. For example, if the light source is configured for red light therapy, the proximity sensor can be configured to check that a user is between 15 cm and 30 cm from the light cube. More generally, it will be appreciated that the proximity sensor can be configured to detect whether a user is within, our outside, or a single predetermined threshold value, is between a first threshold value and second threshold value, and so on. In other words, the proximity sensor 121 may be configured to detect when an object (i.e., the user) is within a predetermined range of the sensor, and when such a signal is detected, send a signal to the controller 114, which in turn may be configured to control the light source based on receiving said signal from the proximity sensor 121.

[55] Figure 4 shows another example light therapy device 100, comprising the same modules / cubes 104 and mount 102 as previously described, but with the addition of a driver module 122. The driver module is configured with an RF communication unit configured to communicate with the RF communication units 116a-d of the set of cubes 104. Moreover, the driver module may comprise a first RF unit configured to communicate with the set of cubes 104 via short distance RF protocols - e.g., Bluetooth - and a second RF unit configured to communicate via long distance RF protocols - e.g., Wi-Fi - with an external electronic device. The driver 122 may comprise a controller configured to control the operation of the light sources 110 in the set of cubes 104, optionally based on lighting profiles stored in a storage. In this way instructions may be provided to the light therapy device from a longer distance, and / or profiles in the storage (for each different type of emission) updated passively and remotely. In the case where the light therapy modules comprise proximity sensors 121, control of a respective light source 110 may be overridden based on the signal (or lack thereof) detected by a respective proximity sensor 121.

[56] Alternatively, or in addition, the driver module 122 may also comprise a proximity sensor which may operate substantially as described above in relation to sensor 121. In particular, the driver module may control the operation of the light sources 110 based on the sensor readings from its proximity sensor. If the light therapy cubes 104 are also configured with their own proximity sensors 121, then the driver module 122 may send a control signal to deactivate those sensors, or the sensors on the light therapy module can provide essentially a parallel switch for activating a respective light source 110.

[57] Figure 4 also demonstrates a system 200 for providing light therapy. The system comprises an electronic user device 202, such as a mobile phone, and the light therapy device 100.

[58] Here, each of the set of light cubes 104 is configured to be controlled by the user device 202, either directly by RF comms units 116a-d, or indirectly via the driver 122, depending on the exact arrangement of the device 100 (i.e., with or without driver).

[59] Suitably the user device 202 may be provided with a suitable user interface (UI) - a e.g., an “App”) - by which to control the set of light cubes 104. Suitably, in one example, control of each cube is manual is based on a user input to the UI at a given time.

[60] In another example, control ofthe set of light cubes 104 is automatic, based on information stored on the user device 202. In particular, the user device 202 may be configured to collect health data on a user, with the health data being used as the basis for automatically controlling the light cubes 104. In one example, the health data is collected by user input, e.g., by a survey. In another example the health data is collected passively by monitoring devices such as smart watches, fitness trackers, and the like. Here health data may include (but is not limited to) sleep data, mood data, skin data, muscle mass / fat data, and so on. Health data may also include location information, such as where the user spends most of their day, the lighting conditions of that environment, and so on.

[61] Based on the collected data, the user device 202 may set a lighting profile for one or more ofthe light cubes in the set 104. The lighting profile may define one or more of time of day for activation (e.g., on-off cycles), wavelength of operation (where variable), colour temperature (where variable), and intensity. The lighting profile may be used to control a particular light cube in the set 104 directly (e.g., by Bluetooth), or via the driver 122, including updating a lighting profile stored locally on the respective cube and / or driver. In an example, the user device 202 may display a screen recommending the user to modify the light therapy device 100, for example by recommending removal of an existing light cube, or purchasing (and attaching) additional light cubes. In one example, collecting user data in order to control an operation ofthe light therapy device may be based on a subscription model.

[62] Control ofthe light cubes 104 may also be location based, so that they are controlled to activate when the user device detects connection to the cubes via the RF unit 116 or detects connection to the driver module (e.g., by detecting an active Bluetooth connection to the respective driver / cube). Suitably the device may be operated only when it is detected that the user is nearby (based on electronic device). In another example, location may be detected by use ofthe proximity sensor 121, in addition to or instead of any other means of location detection.

[63] In summary, exemplary embodiments of an improved light therapy device have been described. Additionally, the described exemplary embodiments are convenient to manufacture and straightforward to use.

[64] The light therapy device herein may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application ofthe example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[65] At least some of the example embodiments described herein may be constructed, partially or wholly, using dedicated special-purpose hardware. Terms such as ‘component’, ‘module’ or ‘unit’ used herein may include, but are not limited to, a hardware device, such as circuitry in the form of discrete or integrated components, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks or provides the associated functionality. In some embodiments, the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute on one or more processors. These functional elements may in some embodiments include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. Although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term “comprising” or “comprises” means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others.

[66] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word "about", even if the term does not expressly appear. The term “about”, or substantially, when used herein means + / - 5% of the stated value. Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein, and the terms “from” and “to” a pair of values are intended to indicate such values are included in the range. Singular encompasses plural and vice versa. Additionally, although the present invention has been described in terms of “comprising”, the processes, materials, and coating compositions detailed herein may also be described as “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting of’.

[67] Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[68] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[69] Each feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[70] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification, or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A light therapy device, comprising:a mount, anda set of light therapy modules, the set comprising at least a first light therapy module and a second light therapy module, each of the light therapy modules comprising a light source configured to output a therapeutic light;wherein each light therapy module in the set of light therapy modules comprises means to detachably couple to the mount, andwherein the first light therapy module in the set is configured to output a different therapeutic light to the second light therapy module in the set.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein outputting therapeutic light comprises outputting at least one ora combination of a predetermined light intensity, wavelength, and colour temperature, and outputting a different therapeutic light comprises outputting at least one of a predetermined different light intensity, different wavelength, and different colour temperature.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the therapeutic light output by a light source of a light therapy module in the set of modules is selected from circadian rhythm lighting, seasonal affective disorder lighting, red therapy lighting, and green therapy lighting.

4. The device of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the means to detachably couple to the mount comprises resiliently biased members configured to friction fit to the mount.

5. The device of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the means to detachably couple to the mount comprises one or more magnets configured to magnetically couple to the mount.

6. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the mount comprises a rail, and the means to detachably couple to the mount are configured to couple to the rail.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the rail protrudes at an angle from a horizontal base of the mount.

8. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the light source is disposed to emit light from a first surface of the light therapy module, and the means to detachably couple to the mount are disposed on a second surface of the light therapy module, opposite to the first surface.

9. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the set of light therapy cubes comprises a third light therapy module,10. The device of claim 9, wherein the third light therapy module is configured to output the same therapeutic light as either the first or second light therapy module.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the third light therapy module is configured to output a different therapeutic light to the first and second light therapy modules.

12. The device of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the set of light therapy cubes comprises a fourth light therapy module,13. The device of claim 12, wherein the fourth light therapy module is configured to output the same therapeutic light emission as any one of the first to third light therapy modules.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the third light therapy module is configured to output a different therapeutic light emission to any of the first to third light therapy modules.

15. The device of any preceding claim, wherein each of the light therapy modules further comprises a battery.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the battery is rechargeable, and each of the light therapy cubes comprises electrical connectors for charging the battery.

17. The device of any preceding claim, wherein each of the light therapy modules is configured with substantially the same size and shape.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein each of the light therapy modules is configured as a cube.

19. The device of any preceding claim, wherein each of the light therapy modules furthercomprises a radio frequency communications unit.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the radio frequency communications unit is configured to transmit and receive at a Bluetooth frequency.

21. The device of any preceding claim, wherein each of the light therapy modules comprises a proximity sensor configured to control the light source based on detecting a user within a predetermined range of the sensor.

22. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the light therapy device further comprises a driver module communicatively coupled to the set of light therapy modules, and the driver module is configured to control an operation of the light sources of the set of light therapy modules.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the driver module comprises a proximity sensor configured to separately control the light sources of the set of light therapy modules based on detecting a user within a predetermined range of the sensor.

24. The device of any preceding claim, wherein each of the light therapy modules comprises a storage configured to store a lighting profile corresponding to the therapeutic light to be output by the respective light source, and each light source is configured to output therapeutic light based on the stored lighting profile.

25. A method of operation of a light therapy device according to claim 24, comprising:obtaining health data corresponding to the user, and determining a lighting profile for the light source of at least one light therapy module in the set of light therapy modules based on the health data, andcontrolling operation of the light source of the at least one light therapy module in the set of modules based on the determined lighting profile.17

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