Respiratory synchronization lighting device

Abstract

To provide a device that helps a user reach a less stressful state, namely a meditative state or "flow" as efficiently as possible.SOLUTION: A respiratory synchronization lighting device 100 helps a user adjust a breathing rate of the user himself / herself by moving a light source 110 relative to a fixed shade or a cover 180. The shade or the cover is optionally perforated or has an integrated shielding pattern to partially shield light produced by the light source. This results in the creation of a shadow pattern on nearby surfaces. The shadow pattern moves over a surface surrounding the device corresponding to the movement of light with respect to the cover. This results in a pattern of periodically moving shadows over the nearby surfaces. This pattern is time-adjusted to match an ideal breathing rate of the user, thereby helping the user slow his / her breathing and reach a calm meditative state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mood management devices, and more particularly to devices that help users reach a calm, meditative state. [Background technology]

[0002] Research has confirmed the negative effects that psychological stress has on the human body: excessive stress is associated with physical and psychological illnesses, including ulcers, heart attacks, depression and anxiety, and reduced personal and professional productivity.

[0003] Given that stress is an ever-present part of everyday life, managing, treating, and reducing stress is crucial to alleviating its negative health effects.

[0004] Unhealthy stress management strategies, including substance abuse and eating disorders, are well known.

[0005] Clinically proven stress reduction measures include meditation and relaxation techniques, including controlled breathing exercises.

[0006] Given that each individual has only a limited amount of time to actively try to reduce stress, increasing the efficiency of stress reduction increases the likelihood that an individual will have the opportunity to reduce stress and effectively reduce stress in less time.

[0007] There is a need for devices that help users reach a less stressful state, ie, a meditative state or "flow," as efficiently as possible. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Respiratory synchronized lighting devices and apparatus help users regulate their breathing rate by moving a light source relative to a fixed shade or cover, which moves or appears to move relative to the shadow-casting cover, rather than simply brightening and dimming in a fixed manner.

[0009] The shade or cover is optionally perforated or has an integrated occlusion pattern to partially block the light produced by the light source, creating a shadow pattern on nearby surfaces. As the light moves relative to the cover, a corresponding shadow pattern moves on the surfaces surrounding the device. This results in a periodically moving shadow pattern on nearby surfaces that is timed to coincide with the user's ideal breathing rate, thereby helping the user slow their breathing and reach a calming, meditative state.

[0010] The cyclical movement or "breathing pattern" of the light can be at any rate or pattern, but is preferably between 2 and 16 cycles per minute. A preferred cyclical rate is 6 cycles per minute. Asymmetric patterns can also be produced, such as, for example, a 4 second movement, a 7 second movement, and an 8 second movement.

[0011] In a first embodiment, a light source moves vertically within a lampshade or shadow-forming cover that contains patterned cuts that block the light in a pattern to create a shadow pattern on nearby surfaces.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the shade moves vertically relative to a fixed light, again resulting in a moving shadow pattern.

[0013] There are several means of raising and lowering the light source.

[0014] For example, in a preferred embodiment, the motion of a single light source can be replicated with many fixed individual light sources, with each individual light source cycling between on and off states. By cycling the light sources individually to create a rising and falling pattern, the physical motion of a single light source can be replicated without the use of moving parts.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, a slider-crank linkage or cam follower can convert the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion of the light source.

[0016] The slider crank linkage is a four-link mechanism with three pivot points and one sliding joint. Rotation of the crank causes linear motion of the slider, which in turn causes the platform to move up and down or in and out.

[0017] This method of converting rotational motion into linear motion creates natural pauses in the peaks and troughs of the cycle similar to the peaks and troughs of a sine wave, mimicking the natural breathing pattern of inhalation and exhalation.

[0018] Shades, perforated covers, or shadow-forming covers can be created using a variety of methodologies. Materials include plastic, metal, paper, glass, ceramic, resin, and wood. Shading patterns can be created by casting, molding, or removing material, for example by cutting holes, or by adding a light blocking material within or on top of the shade, for example by applying paint or adhesive vinyl over a glass or acrylic shade.

[0019] In terms of operation, the device is preferably operated with an integrated on-board control panel or remotely operated, for example, with a separate remote or third party control device, such as, for example, a mobile phone.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, a color-changing light source is included, allowing the user to select from a variety of colors or to change color as the device operates, and optionally a dimming feature is included, allowing the user to choose the brightness of the light based on the conditions present.

[0021] In other embodiments, the light source has a color temperature ranging from white to yellow. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] The invention can be best understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] [Figure 1] A first diagram of a first embodiment of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0024] [Diagram 2] A second view of the first embodiment of the respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown, showing the upper and lower positions of the respiratory synchronized lighting device.

[0025] [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a respiratory synchronized lighting device.

[0026] [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing the moving light and resulting moving shadow of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0027] [Diagram 5] A first diagram of a second embodiment of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0028] [Figure 6] A first diagram of a third embodiment of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0029] [Figure 7]A second view of the third embodiment of the respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown, showing the center, top, and bottom positions of the respiratory synchronized lighting device.

[0030] [Figure 8] A first diagram of a fourth embodiment of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0031] [Figure 9] A first diagram of a fifth embodiment of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0032] [Figure 10] 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary shadow forming cover for a respiratory synchronization lighting device.

[0033] [Figure 11] 13 shows cross sections of several examples of shadow forming covers for a respiratory synchronization lighting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, like reference numerals refer to like elements in all drawings.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a first diagram of a first embodiment of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0036] The respiratory synchronization lighting device 100 includes a light source 110 that periodically moves between an upper position and a lower position inside a shadow-forming cover 180 .

[0037] In the first embodiment, the cyclic movement is performed by a height adjustment mechanism 120. The height adjustment mechanism 120 includes a translation stage 130 that is connected by a guide bearing 126 and slides along a guide rod 124.

[0038] Height adjustment mechanism 120 is mounted to a fixed base 122 which is illustratively placed on a tabletop 200 .

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, a second view of the first embodiment showing the upper and lower positions of the respiratory synchronization lighting device is shown.

[0040] The light source 110 is shown in its lower position 134 in the left illustration and in its upper position 132 in the right illustration.

[0041] In the first embodiment, movement between these two positions is controlled by a slider-crank mechanism 140. The slider-crank mechanism 140 includes a crank 142 that rotates to move an arm 144 up and down, which is connected to the crank 142 and the translation stage 130 at a pivot point 146.

[0042] As shown in the left figure, when the crank 142 is at its lowest position, the carriage 130 is at its lower position 134 .

[0043] As shown in the right figure, when the crank 142 is at its highest position, the carriage 130 is at its upper position 132 .

[0044] Referring to FIG. 3, a side view of a first embodiment of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0045] The crank 142 is powered by a rotary motion source 148, such as, for example, an electric motor, which rotates the crank 142 to move the arm 144, which in turn causes cyclical movement of the translation stage 130.

[0046] When the light source 110 moves up and down inside the shadow forming cover 180, a moving shadow pattern is projected by the respiratory synchronization lighting device 100.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram showing the moving light and resulting moving shadow of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0048] This view shows the light source 110 in its upper position 132 and lower position 134. As the light 112 passes through the shadow-forming cover 180, a series of shadows are created on the wall 204. The upper position 132 of the light source 110 creates a lower shadow pattern 118. The lower position 134 of the light source 110 creates an upper shadow pattern 116.

[0049] By periodically moving the light source 110 between an up position 132 and a down position 134, a shadow pattern is created that rises and falls, moving up and down.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, a first diagram of a second embodiment of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0051] In a second embodiment of the respiratory synchronization lighting device 100, the device is fixed to a ceiling 202 via a fixing base 122.

[0052] Operation is similar to the first embodiment, with height adjustment mechanism 120 moving light source 110 up and down inside shadow-forming cover 180. Crank 142 rotates to move cord 152 up and down, which passes through pivot point 146. The entire height adjustment mechanism 120 is supported by a central support 150.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 6, a first diagram of a third embodiment of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0054] In a third embodiment, a mechanical height adjustment mechanism is replaced with an array of light sources 160 .

[0055] The active lights 168 of the series of light sources 160 move up and down to mimic the physical movement of the light sources 110 of the first and second embodiments (see Figures 1 to 5).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 7, a second view of the third embodiment is shown showing the center, top, and bottom positions of the respiratory synchronization lighting device.

[0057] An active light 168 moves between the top position 162 and the bottom position 164, passing through an intermediate position 166. This creates a moving shadow pattern by mimicking the physical movement of light.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 8, a first diagram of a fourth embodiment of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0059] The fourth embodiment of the respiratory synchronization lighting device 100 is inverted compared to the third embodiment (see FIG. 7). An active light 168 moves along the series of light sources 160, and the light passes through a shadow-forming cover 180 to create a moving shadow pattern.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 9, a first diagram of a fifth embodiment of a respiratory synchronized lighting device is shown.

[0061] A fifth embodiment of the respiratory synchronization lighting device 100 is intended for use in a standard incandescent light socket. An array of light sources 160 connects to the socket via a base 170, and an active light 168 moves along the array of light sources 160 to simulate a moving light source.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 10, a diagram of an exemplary shadow-forming cover of a respiratory synchronization lighting device is shown.

[0063] A series of light sources 160 are shown inside the shadow-forming cover 180. Perforations allow some light to pass through the shadow-forming cover 180 while other light is blocked, creating a shadow pattern.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 11, cross-sections of several examples of shadow-forming covers for a respiratory synchronization lighting device are shown.

[0065] The shadow-forming cover 180 is provided in several embodiments. The shadow-forming cover 180A includes holes that allow light to pass through, and the solid portion of the cover blocks the light.

[0066] The shadow-forming cover 180B includes a scalloped or ridged outer surface that bends light as it passes through the cover.

[0067] The shadow-forming cover 180C is formed from a series of flat surfaces that intentionally spread light unevenly as it passes through.

[0068] The shade-forming cover 180D is formed from an essentially transparent material, and the externally applied light shield 182 is formed from, for example, a vinyl sticker.

[0069] The shadow-forming cover 180 can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, acrylic, metal, paper, glass, ceramic, resin, and wood.

[0070] Equivalent elements may be substituted for those described above so that they perform in substantially the same manner, in substantially the same way, to achieve substantially the same results.

[0071] It will be understood that the described system and method and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description. It will also be apparent that various changes can be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages. The forms described hereinabove are merely exemplary and illustrative embodiments thereof. It is the intent of the following claims to encompass and include such modifications.

Claims

1. A device for generating a periodic shadow movement pattern, comprising: light source, the light source emits light; the light source having an upper position, a middle position, and a lower position; said light source continuously cyclically moves between said upper position and said lower position passing through said intermediate position; Shadow forming cover, the light from the light source passes through the shadow-forming cover; said shadow-forming cover blocks or alters said light as it passes through, creating a moving shadow pattern on any nearby surfaces; Equipped with the shadow movement pattern corresponds to a user's desired breathing rate, thereby helping the user reach a state of relaxation; device.

2. a translation platform that slides along the guide rods between an upper platform position and a lower platform position; a height adjustment mechanism having The light source is fixed to the moving stage; The height adjustment mechanism moves the light source up and down. The device of claim 1 .

3. a slider crank mechanism formed from a crank fixed to an arm, the arm being attached to the carriage at a pivot point; Further comprising: Rotation of the crank causes movement of the arm, and the movement of the arm causes the carriage to raise and lower. The device of claim 2.

4. the light source is an array of light sources; The device of claim 1 , wherein the series of light sources are activated in succession to create the appearance of a single moving light source by having an active light cycle between an uppermost position and a lowermost position.

5. 1. A device for projecting a moving pattern of shadows onto a nearby surface, comprising: A light source that emits light; a shadow-forming cover adjacent to the light source; With the light source periodically changes position relative to the shadow-forming cover in a linear back and forth motion between a first light source position and a second light source position; the light emitted by the light source is partially blocked by the shadow-forming cover, resulting in a periodically changing shadow pattern projected onto nearby surfaces; the cyclically changing shadow pattern is timed to coincide with a user's desired breathing rate to assist the user in reaching a meditative state; device.

6. the light source periodically moves between the first light source position and the second light source position by periodically changing the position in a vertical direction; The device of claim 5.

7. a height adjustment mechanism having a moving platform that slides along the guide rod between an upper platform position and a lower platform position; The light source is fixed to the movable stage, and the height adjustment mechanism moves the light source up and down. The device of claim 5.

8. a slider crank mechanism formed from a crank fixed to an arm, the arm being attached to the carriage at a pivot point; Further comprising: Rotation of the crank causes movement of the arm, and the movement of the arm causes the carriage to raise and lower. The device of claim 7.

9. the light source is an array of light sources; 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the series of light sources are activated in sequence to create the appearance of a single moving light source by having an active light cycle between the first light source position and the second light source position.

10. 1. A device for creating a periodic moving pattern of shadows on a nearby surface, the periodic moving pattern of shadows being created by the movement of a shade and a light relative to one another, the device comprising: Perforated cover; light source; With the light source produces light, the light passing through the perforated cover; the perforated cover partially blocks the light to create a pattern of light and shadow on nearby surfaces; the light and shadow pattern moves periodically as the light source moves periodically relative to the perforated cover in a linear back and forth motion between a first light source position and a second light source position; the light and shadow patterns move to encourage the user to match their breathing rate, thereby helping the user reach a state of calm; device.

11. the light source periodically moves between the first light source position and the second light source position by periodically changing the position in a vertical direction; The device of claim 10.

12. a height adjustment mechanism having a moving platform that slides along the guide rod between an upper platform position and a lower platform position; The light source is fixed to the moving stage; The height adjustment mechanism moves the light source up and down. The device of claim 10.

13. a slider-crank mechanism formed from a crank fixed to an arm, the arm being attached at a pivot point to a moving platform; Further comprising: Rotation of the crank causes movement of the arm, and said movement of the arm causes the carriage to raise and lower; The light source is fixed to the moving stage. The device of claim 11.

14. the light source is an array of light sources; the series of light sources are activated in sequence to have an active light cycle between the first light source position and the second light source position to create the appearance of a single moving light source; The device of claim 10.

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