Heating and lighting apparatus

Abstract

A system for conditioning a volume is described comprising: a processor arranged in used to determine the Personal Comfort Response and / or Preference (PCRP) of an occupant of the volume with respect to the temperature of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume; and a light source selected from a warm-congruent hue light source, and / or a neutral light source, and / or a cool-congruent hue light source. The system may further comprise one or more infra-red heat emitters. Also described is a method for conditioning the operative temperature of a volume, comprising the steps of: determining the operative temperature of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume; and determining the PCRP of an occupant of the volume with respect to the operative temperature of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume; and illuminating all, part, or subsection of the volume with: light of a warm-congruent hue; or light of a cool-congruent hue if the personal comfort vote that the volume, or parts or subsection thereof, is perceived as substantially too cold or warm respectively. The methods may additionally comprise heating or cooling all, part, or subsection of the volume if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or parts or subsection thereof, is perceived as substantially excessively cool or warm, respectively.

Description

[0001] Heating and Lighting Apparatus

[0002] The present invention relates to heating apparatus, lighting apparatus, or combined heating and lighting apparatus. The invention further relates to control of heating apparatus, lighting apparatus, or combined infrared heating and lighting apparatus. The heating apparatus of the invention may be an infrared heating apparatus, preferably for operation in concert with lighting apparatus and a control system.

[0003] Accordingly, the present Invention also relates to Control methods or strategies (as herein described or emergent) for augmenting or improving the comfort and wellbeing of a user in a particular environment, especially in regard to the user’s perception and / or State of comfort within that environment and when relocating between several fixed and / or mobile environments.

[0004] Use of fossil fuels for bulk-air / fluid heating spaces or volumes in the built environment is a significant contributor of methane and carbon emissions, which have been directly linked to the threat of global warming.

[0005] In particular, comfortable conditions in terms of thermal stability or absolute thermal temperature are often perceived as a prerequisite for efficient working, wellbeing, and an enjoyable domestic life. The achievement of such conditions, either by bulk-air / fluid heating or cooling of the environment, in which a person or other user is operating, can be energy intensive. This is particularly the case for certain internal environments that are not thermally well isolated from the external environmental conditions, or where thermal utility (the time and / or location, where user comfort is affected by the conditioned air / fluid) is low, such as with high ceilings (warm air rises).

[0006] Low-carbon HVAC systems like Low-Temperature Heat Pumps (LTHP) are typically run most efficiently by bulk-air / fluid heating or cooling whole environments (e.g. homes) to a thermostatic temperature over time: transferring thermal energy to a water-based central heating system, and then (or directly) to the air in the environment, and finally to people and objects. Efficiency is dependent on high levels of thermal insulation and thermal utility, otherwise the process of affecting comfort is energy- intensive and conditioning air / fluid in bulk lacking in response. Human behaviour can be confined to a single room in a built environment of multiple empty rooms; or in a mobile environment, of one seat over many empty ones: utility may be low and ventilation (e.g. by opening windows) is required to address over-heating and increases in humidity and carbon dioxide from respiration and other domestic activities, that have a negative effect on comfort and wellbeing. Therefore bulk-air / fluid heating or cooling becomes inefficient, and bulk-air / fluid control systems appear slow to respond.

[0007] ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards predict (mean) thermal comfort by qualities such as metabolic rate, air temperature, humidity, air velocity, and (infrared) radiant conditions in the environment.

[0008] Infrared heating benefits human comfort by transferring heat from a heated surface to another and warming it with immediate effect. Depending on the emissive properties of the source, infrared increases the perception of warmth and blood flow (also skin temperature) in biological tissue before significantly affecting air temperature.

[0009] Similarly, ventilation benefits human comfort by increases heat loss from tissue by increasing the rate of evaporation of perspiration, while air temperature may remain constant.

[0010] Using bulk air / fluid heating and cooling to affect comfort can be slow, ineffective, and inefficient.

[0011] Controlling infrared and / or ventilation systems using air temperature is inefficient. This is because the Subjective benefits in comfort may be immediate, however, these benefits may be asynchronous with respect to an Objective measurement of air temperature and the rate of change in air temperature.

[0012] Behaviour can lead to unintended consequences: such as comfort-seeking wholehome heating on the one hand (energy demand increases and utility decreases), and self-limitation on the other (energy demand declines with wellbeing and productivity). Thus, energy efficiency is desirable, but its achievement is difficult as restricting energy use can have adverse effects.

[0013] Optimising for renewable energy abundance or scarcity (“Cost” in the sense of monetary cost and / or in the sense of the cost of resources used, be they fuel and / or emission of pollutants, such as carbon and derivatives thereof, e.g. CO2), is hampered without Objective automation and Subjective user participation. When multiplied by millions of users, individual behaviours have a significant impact on satisfaction, productivity, healthcare, energy Cost and demand.

[0014] Accordingly, decarbonising the built environment is a complex challenge of political, environmental, social, technical, economic, and legal barriers. These have shown to create barriers to whole system retrofits from fossil fuelled systems that are high- carbon and responsive (e.g. gas boilers), to low-carbon and passive systems (e.g. LTHP). The present Invention offers significant advantages by reducing cost and complexity as a Hybrid System with a Modular approach to integrating low-carbon heating (infrared) and cooling (ventilation) with the existing bulk air / fluid heating and / or cooling system, to reduce the Cost of that system. Accordingly, the present Invention enables the retrofitting of low-carbon passive systems in future, with minimum disruption to users.

[0015] ISO standard 7730 describes thermal Comfort as the “condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment”.

[0016] The Operative Temperature condition of the environment is the average of the mean radiant temperature and the air temperature, weighted by their respective heat transfer coefficients.

[0017] In the built environment there can be several variables (e.g. the materials used in the fabric of the building, and height of ceilings) that significantly affect heat transfer and efficiency of bulk air / fluid heating of people at the correct time and location of need. In comparison, radiant heating (or ventilation) to the body significantly improves Comfort at lower (or higher) air temperatures and can respond faster to user behaviour, offering the potential to save significant amounts of energy. Because known approaches are not optimised, those apparatus are not employed efficiently.

[0018] Thus, there is a need to provide heating (or ventilation) and lighting (or sound) systems that optimise the Subjective comfort of the user while minimising the Objective Cost of the electrical energy employed in the heating, ventilation, lighting, and sound systems. There is a further need for reducing the reliance on carbonintensive fossil-fuelled heating, including existing carbon-intensive fossil-fuelled heating system(s), and improving the performance and comfort of low-carbon systems (e.g. LTHPs).

[0019] Objects of the invention are to achieve one or more of the following effects:

[0020] - Reduce the barriers for adopting I retrofitting low-carbon heating; and / or

[0021] - Reduce consumer reliance on existing carbon-intensive fossil-fuelled heating; and / or

[0022] - Optimise user State (e.g. comfort and wellbeing) and minimises the consumption and / or Cost of electrical energy; and / or

[0023] - Monitor and measure changes to States, to optimise the Cost performance (efficiency) of the connected systems and effect on user(s) State (efficacy). A further object of the invention is to employ technologies with characteristic emissions (emissive Qualities) to achieve optimal synergistic (cross-sensory) effect to:

[0024] - Enhance perceptions of Comfort and affect energy consumption by Users (e.g. behaviour); and / or

[0025] - Minimise the expense of energy and the associated Cost.

[0026] A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus comprising technologies with characteristic emissive Qualities that together achieve a synergistic, cross- sensory effect. A further object of the invention is to identify and apply methods or Strategies of combining particular emissive Qualities to achieve the objects of the invention described herein.

[0027] Human perception of Comfort is a condition of mind which draws on multi-sensory inputs from the nervous system. This includes what is perceived through sensory receptors in the skin and through sensory receptor in the eyes, ears, even smell. Conditions of mind are not Objective but are Subjective, influenced by different sensory receptors and the Context: such as related to time, location, rate of heat loss, intensity, or contrast; and therefore the salience, relationship, and priority given to interpretation of signals from the senses through the nervous system. This is referred to as cross-sensory or cross-modal correspondence that affects and informs what is the User Experience.

[0028] This is advantageous with regards to lowering energy expenditure for one or more of the following reasons:

[0029] 1 . Light can improve perceptions of thermal comfort.

[0030] 2. As a Hybrid System, infrared heating (and ventilation) can improve perceptions of thermal comfort with lower energy Cost than bu Ik-air / fluid conditioning.

[0031] 3. Synergistically combining 1 and 2 can optimise perceptions of thermal comfort with the least Cost and energy demand, with the appropriate User Interface.

[0032] Unlike bulk-air / fluid heating and cooling systems, the present invention, of deploying infrared heat (or ventilation) with light (or sound) offers significant improvement in controlling cross-modal correspondence by being responsive to, and affecting the Context. For example: using light as a User Interface to solicit the user (visually indicate) to relocate towards a heated zone, rather than heating multiple zones. The present Invention offers a significant improvement by being Modular by design to offer greater Control over the direction of heat and light emissions, and offers greater versatility on installation locations and how heat and light may be deployed.

[0033] In this Context, the hue-heat effects in an environment with “warm” colours (red, orange yellow hues; longer wavelengths) may feel warmer in terms of temperature and comfort, while an environment with “cold” colours (blue hues; shorter wavelengths) may feel cooler. Luminosity-heat and acoustic-heat affects can also be observed. Experiments have shown that these synergistic affects are amplified by the relative Context of responsive infrared heating (or ventilation) qualities compared to bulk air / fluid heating qualities, and in either case may also diminish over time (Troxler effect) where the perception of changes in States are less.

[0034] Because cross-modal correspondence is Subjective and based on Context, then the present Invention offers significant improvement via a Control method of rapid parallel processing / computing of Subjective and Objective data and deployment of machine reinforcement learning algorithms to optimise the desirable affects, whilst minimising undesirable affects, and adjusting for diminishing returns.

[0035] Known approaches to cross-modal (e.g. hue-heat) Control miss one or several problems, which the present invention addresses. These problems include one or more of:

[0036] 4. Bu Ik-air / fluid heating technologies can be energy intensive and / or slow to affect user State.

[0037] 5. Thermostatic bulk-air / fluid measurement only partly correlates to user State and is unsuitable for controlling technologies that affect comfort asynchronously with air temperature.

[0038] 6. The Objective mathematical relationship between variables is defined to a scale or target variance (like a temperature), and not interpolated from data that best defines the performance characteristics of a Hybrid System.

[0039] 7. A need for more efficient light (or sound) deployment in terms of a User Interface to communicate the thermal delivery activity of the responsive system State, to affect the User Experience and behaviour (e.g. moving towards a warmer zone).

[0040] 8. How users can be targeted differently, based on directional deployment of light and infrared heat. 9. The advantageous or optimum modulation of power to Control emissive Qualities; e.g. surface temperature (or fan speed), infrared wavelength I intensity (or air velocity), and optimally synchronise with other emissive Qualities; e.g. hue, saturation, and / or luminosity of lighting.

[0041] 10. Improving or optimising automation and / or user participation in balancing present and future energy supply and demand, to reduce Cost.

[0042] 11 . Efficiently employing parallel processing / computation of data and deployment of machine learning algorithms significantly improve the assessment of complex trade-offs between Objective and Subjective measures I tolerances I preferences I Goals, to deploy optimised Control Strategies in the Context.

[0043] 12. Accounting for neural adaptation to hue-heat effects (e.g. Troxler effects) on the User Experience to optimise performance.

[0044] 13. Accounting for how colour blindness or blindness can be addressed with other visual qualities or sound.

[0045] 14. Accounting for user State data where they are not aligned or anomalous (e.g. during illness).

[0046] 15. Accounting for more than one user and state within the same environment responding independently.

[0047] Thus providing an enhanced User Experience that gives rise to the user State from thermal conditioning by infrared heating (or ventilated cooling). Further providing improvements to user State and Cost that may be enabled by the deployment or use of Hybrid Systems. Such a system may be a bulk-air / fluid system supplemented with a responsive infrared heating (or ventilation) system.

[0048] The invention provides a system for Conditioning a person(s) and / or surface(s) and / or a volume(s) comprising: a) a processor arranged in use to determine the Personal Comfort Response and / or Preference (PCRP) of an occupant of the volume with respect to the Operative Temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide level and / or ventilation level (air velocity) of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume; and b) one or more light sources selected any Hue, Saturation, Luminosity (HSL), which may typically be from a warm-congruent hue light source, a neutral light source, and / or a cool-congruent hue light source.

[0049] The System may be for carrying out a method or Strategy as defined herein. In the context of the present disclosure a Strategy may be defined as a method whose parameters may be varied according to the processor of the system in the context of the perceived PCRP or desired PCRP parameter. Alternatively a Strategy may be defined as a method whose parameters may be varied according to the processor of the system in the context of the perceived UVote or desired UVote parameter.

[0050] The processor may be a parallel processor or parallel processors.

[0051] The PCRP of an occupant of the volume allows the system to refer to the State of the occupant or user, as perceived as a combination of the Qualities, (of environmental and / or technical character) that are described below. The PCRP may also be encompass the concept of the Personal Comfort vote (UVote), and this concept, UVote, has been used previously in the context and description of embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] The PCRP is thus a parameter that may elicit a response from the system of the Invention. Preferably the PCRP is determined as the result of processing a data set obtained or obtainable from one or multiple measurements monitored over time and most preferably applicable to a location. The processing may be by parallel processing or algorithm. However, the PCRP may be directly determined or set by the user.

[0053] Thus, the ideal and stable value for PCRP may be zero, indicating that the environment of the user or occupier is acceptable or ideal. As a consequence of PCRP=0 the system may not need to adjust or modulate the environment. However, advantageously the system may explore a change of state to determine causality that leads to an improvement in goal achievement and therefore a strategy for exploitation.

[0054] In contrast, a marginal positive PCRP (i.e. PCRP>0) may cause the combined system to explore or exploit the delivery of discrete improvements in the environment by deploying Qualities selectively.(e.g. change the HSL of lighting) which may yield an environmental State and / or a user State wherein the PCRP is closer to 0 or the change in PCRP (APCRP) moves the value of PCRP closer to 0. In further contrast a larger deviation of PCRP from the State of PCRP=0 may require the combined system to adopt a more responsive preferred Strategy (e.g. increase deviation in HSL to warm- congruent combined with radiant surface temperature).

[0055] Conversely, a negative PCRP value may indicate that the system should cause the system to select a preferred Strategy to explore or exploit the delivery of a discrete improvement in the environment State (e.g. increase deviation in HSL to cool- congruent, combined with higher air ventilation) which may yield an environmental State or a user State wherein the PCRP is closer to 0 or the change in PCRP (APCRP) moves the value of PCRP closer to 0.

[0056] The PCRP may use a visual or auditory scale of positive and / or negative increments. The scale may be visual or auditory. Preferably the scale is the visual or auditory equivalent of the range 1 to 3; or yellow, amber, red; or low, moderate, high; wherein 1 is a minor increment (thus indicating that the space is marginally underconditioned), and an increment of 3 indicating that a more substantial change is required (i.e. the space is more severely under-conditioned).

[0057] Thus, changes in the system may follow the path of the change in PCRP (A PCRP). For example, a “yellow” hue selection may be mirrored by the Signifier light as a preferential exploratory or exploitation Strategy of the system to visually establish cross-modal correspondence related to a moderate thermal increase.

[0058] Advantageously the system may adapt to yield an Operative Temperature that in turn yields a PCRP value within a range acceptable to the occupant or user. This may be achieved by deploying a Strategy of modulating the ambient air temperature and / or the radiant emission(s) of the system of the Hybrid System to affect the environmental State and / or user State and to yield the desired Operative Temperature and / or the associated PCRP value within a range and Context acceptable to the occupant or user. Adaptation in this way may comprise the use of a fan. Adaptation in this way may also encompass the illumination (or sound) Qualities of the system, i.e. an operative illumination or ventilation State or change in condition, or environmental State, to affect the Context and User Experience. Thus, the system may enact a series of continuous or discrete changes by way of a program, path, or exploratory or exploitation Strategy to yield an Operative Temperature and I or User Experience that in turn yields a PCRP value within a range acceptable to the occupant(s) or user(s). Such a Strategy may comprise developing and / or deploying a Strategy, preferably a Strategy produced by parallel processing and machine learning and / or training an artificial intelligence (Al). Such machine learning and / or training of an Al may be conducted by experiment (exploration), and / or by relevant called-upon data sets (exploitation), and / or synthetic data generated through simulation (exploration and exploitation). Such machine learning and / or training of an Al may be conducted by reference to a user PCRP(s) input into the system for calibration or re-calibration, preferably minimising the ongoing inputting of user PCRP(s) into the system. The modulation or adaptation of the combined system may additionally or alternatively be determined by Goals apart from optimisation of the PCRP set for the system. For example, a Goal of energy efficiency, or energy source, or energy utility, or energy Cost may be used to contribute to part or all of the control of the system. For example, the goal of energy Cost may be used. The goal of energy Cost may be achieved by modulating each incremental change or adaptation to be less forceful in terms of effect on Cost. That is the rate of change of the parameters of the system, such as ambient Operative Temperature, may be modulated or decreased. This strategy has the advantage of avoiding excess heating (e.g. “overshooting” the target temperature; or heating air when windows are open) or allows the Operative Temperature to increase to a point that is less than the target but meets the condition of providing an acceptable PCRP so that further heating is not required. The situation regarding heating that is discussed here applies also to cooling and ventilation and lighting and sound by the system to meet a target environmental State and / or user State and / or system State so that Goals may be achieved.

[0059] Thus the system may comprise one or more data sources to assess the prevailing or future State of the connected System, in order to select or optimise choice of energy source, deployment of the energy source, and selection or optimisation of energy source according to Cost thereof.

[0060] The present Invention gives the advantages of synergistically deploying technologies to optimise energy use for variations in one or more of: human behaviour, comfort needs, and / or the built environment. To achieve this effectively, the present Invention offers a significant improvement by not relying on a thermostatic controller.

[0061] The present Invention offers significant improvement through Control modulation of power to the heater to affect radiant properties to affect Subjective benefits: the time (response in seconds), the radiant flux density (in watts per metre squared), the wavelength (measured in nanometres), to optimise performance primarily for PCRP and Cost of energy.

[0062] The present Invention may predict, by machine reinforcement learning and the parallel processing of State data, relationships by proxy, without relying on the measure of bulk / air fluid temperature; for example, interpolation of radiant surface temperature (via data from thermocouples), and PCRP.

[0063] Accordingly, the present Invention offers significant improvement through Control modulation of power to a fan motor to affect the time (response in seconds), airspeed (meters per second), physical and acoustic qualities (turbulence), to optimise performance for PCRP and Cost of energy. Thermostatic controls present one Objective value; a single quality basis with which a user may calibrate a bulk air / fluid heating or cooling system for comfort. This may anchor perception and / or create incorrect cognitive associations or dissonance between Subjective comfort and Objective energy deployment in the environment. This can significantly impact user behaviour with negative effects on comfort, wellbeing, and Cost of energy. The present Invention seeks to correct this problem and optimise efficacy, efficiency, and Cost.

[0064] One such method of the present Invention is the design of the User Interface.

[0065] Advantageously, the system may exploit non-linear Strategies to achieve conflicting Goals. For example, between maximising PCRP and minimising Cost: the system may explore and exploit context to emphasise and / or amplify a User Experience of a change of State or contrast of States, such as by setting a cool-incongruent (hue-heat) context against a warm-congruent (hue-heat) context. Such contrast may be advantageously exploited in time and / or location to maximise PCRP and minimise Cost. The parameter of time may be exploited to amplify a thermal transition (to warmer), with less power deployed to heating where energy use is highest. The parameter of location may be exploited to emphasise a warmer place (to move to), with less power deployed to heat part or sub-section of a volume and / or surface rather than the whole.

[0066] In some circumstances energy use is not equivalent to expenditure for fuel and / or electricity to power the system. Thus, the situation regarding energy efficiency in terms of heating and cooling that is discussed herein applies also to yielding efficiency of expenditure. This efficiency of expenditure may become particularly relevant to heating or cooling if electricity or other energy Costs may be lower or higher at particular times of day (e.g. at night when demand on the grid is typically lower; or when energy is being generated from renewable sources), or time of year (e.g. season), or when storage technologies may be connected (e.g. a vehicle battery). This is particularly the case if electricity is more Costly at times when cooling or heating is most required. Conversely, this is also the case if electricity is less Costly at times when cooling or heating is most required. Therefore, energy use or expenditure may be based on a prediction of a future States (user, environmental, connected systems), rather than current States. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to Control Strategy for affecting user choice and / or behaviour through the User Interface, especially in regard to optimising energy demand (consumption) with energy supply; to reduce the Cost of supplying and / or using energy.

[0067] Furthermore, the present Invention presents the advantage of being designed for compatibility with electricity supply from local Direct Current (DC, e.g. solar generated; battery storage supply) or grid Alternating Current (AC, e.g. wind generated; mains supply) to minimise inverter or transfer losses, for energy efficiency gains, where applicable. The present Invention is intended to operate most efficiently as a hybrid system, integrating with other heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVAC), that may be designed to affect the thermal characteristics of air or fluid, and lighting. The present invention addresses the problem of energy-intensive bulk-air / fluid thermal conditioning by thermostatic control, by deploying non-linear, machine learned, control strategies (e.g. to explore or exploit) and integrating responsive technologies and mechanisms to affect the perception of comfort, whilst reducing energy consumption and demand.

[0068] Furthermore, the Invention relates to Control of such apparatus, in a fixed or mobile three-dimensional environment, which advantageously applies methods of parallel processing I computing (e.g. via Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)) of data with machine learning algorithms to save time and optimise outcomes, by methods of data collection and feedback loops, on the States of the:

[0069] 1 . Operator(s) or user(s);

[0070] 2. Environmental condition(s);

[0071] 3. Apparatus and connected system (s).

[0072] Each measured data point may be assigned a classification, time and date reference, and location reference in the three-dimensional environment for the purposes of efficient data collection, processing, and machine learning. The present Invention deploys non-linear, machine-learned, Control Strategies to affect States in real-time and location, and predict future States to affect them accordingly.

[0073] An example of a Control Strategy may be to lower air temperature and increase radiant heating, to identify relationships between data sets and the relative changes to States, and reinforce those actions that result in desirable affects (e.g. improve comfort) whilst minimising undesirable affects (e.g. cost of energy), adjusted by weighted Goals (set parameters by the user and / or operator). 1. State of the operator(s) or user(s): Control is in Objective or Subjective response to one or more user(s) behaviour(s) (such as location in a room, time-based use of rooms etc.) and / or user(s) physiological response(s) (such as heart rate, skin conductance, skin temperature etc.) and / or user action (such as interfacing with the Control or parameters of the system by touch, voice command, movement, location etc.) to prevailing environmental condition(s) and / or user(s) perception of those prevailing environmental condition(s). Any single, or combination of, Objective or Subjective user(s) response is herein referred to as the user(s) Personal Comfort Response and / or Preference (PCRP). An operator may not be the user, and may be remotely located and provided with the authority (e.g. a guardian or service provider) to affect States.

[0074] 2. State of the environmental conditions: Control is also in Objective response to the internal environmental condition(s) (such as temperature, humidity, air velocity, carbon dioxide, lighting (hue, saturation, luminosity) and / or Objective external environmental condition(s) (such as temperature, humidity, air velocity, carbon dioxide, luminosity I solar radiance). Control may account for the impact of external environmental condition(s) on internal environmental condition(s). Control may account for the impact of external environmental condition(s) on the State of the apparatus and connected system(s).

[0075] 3. State of the apparatus and connected systems: Control extends beyond the present Invention apparatus to any HVAC, lighting, sound, energy generation system(s), energy conversion system(s), and / or energy storage system(s) that may be connected and controlled through such method; including, where applicable, their emissive qualities. Control may account for the Objective availability and demand of transferrable energy (such as electricity), in particular, from lower cost and / or lower carbon cost from energy generation, energy conversion, or energy storage systems.

[0076] Data relating to the above may be measured, collected, stored, and processed by means of appropriate wired or wireless link, and Application Programming Interface(s) (API) to sensor and / or control devices (e.g. weather data, smart lightbulbs, smart Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV)), by sensor and control devices wearable by users’ (e.g. smart watch, smart ring, smart clothing), or interpolated by known causality (e.g. between Cost of energy, improvement in comfort, temperature of emissive infrared surface). These devices and User Interfaces may measure, collect, and communicate data by being physically connected to, or integrated into, the product and / or network of products, and / or connected by a wireless communications interface (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee etc.), between them and the internet or cloud; where data may be also stored and processed.

[0077] The present Invention presents the advantage of novel User Interfaces for data collection and feedback loop(s) between user(s) and the system(s) to reinforce the machine learning. The User Interface may affect and / or measure the Personal Comfort Response and / or Preference (PCRP):

[0078] The User Interface may set the apparatus of the system (e.g. changing a quality of infrared heat and / or light) to create an observable time-based and / or location-based change of State to solicit and / or collect a PCRP from the user(s).

[0079] A Comfort Response may be associated to a time-based and / or location-based change in the operator(s) or user(s) State (e.g. an input declaring a desire to feel warmer; a change in measure of skin temperature to a sub-optimal one) and communicated to the system by means of a User Interface.

[0080] A Preference parameter may be set as one or more weighted Goals (e.g. minimise Cost) and communicated to the system by means of a User Interface.

[0081] As a Hybrid System the present Invention Controls the air / fluid heating or cooling systems to achieve a background thermal condition and deploys infrared heating (or ventilated cooling), to Condition the Operative Temperature of the environment to improve one or more of: comfort, thermal utility, energy Cost, and / or efficiency.

[0082] The present Invention achieves this significant improvement by acquiring data on more than simply the air temperature alone (i.e. as controlled by a thermostat) in order to address the problem of controlling (optimising) for Operative Temperature.

[0083] The responsive Control required to achieve the optimum balance between technologies, comfort and Cost would be very difficult for a user to judge, or would simply be beyond the time and effort a user is willing to commit to it.

[0084] The present Invention achieve a significant improvement in energy efficiency by deploying parallel processing of data.

[0085] However, a User Interface that provides feedback loops with the system to optimise for the Goal of user State is still required. The present Invention offers a significant improvement by disengaging the User Interface from a thermostatic anchor, since this is not a true representation of Operative Temperature and would otherwise limit the capabilities of the system to control the system of technologies to optimise for the Goal of Cost.

[0086] The present Invention synergistically combines infrared heating (or ventilation) with visual lighting (or sound) by establishing cross-modal correspondence, between the user and the Hybrid System, in two ways: i. As a User Interface and User Experience: to provide visual feedback on what the system State and what it is doing, or will do, via a “Signifier” light (or sound) source. ii. As a User Interface and User Experience: to enhance the Subjective perception of Comfort through synergistic effects, via an “Ambient” light (or sound) source.

[0087] The present Invention does not treat cross-modal correspondence as a linear relationship, but adapts the relationship based on parallel processing of data and machine learning algorithms to run the appropriate Strategy(ies) to achieve weighted Goals, and in response to measured data on States and feedback loops.

[0088] In other words, if an Ambient light is not required, and a Signifier light is more effective at creating a user State that reduces Cost, then the feedback loop will reinforce this Strategy. Accordingly, the hue-heat effect may not have the same warm and cool associations across individuals (e.g. colour blindness) and across cultures globally.

[0089] The present Invention therefore offers the significant improvement of a flexible cross-modal correspondence Control method or Strategy to achieve the most efficient deployment of energy Objectively, for Subjective improvements in user State, as a substitute to traditional thermostatic controls.

[0090] Flexibility is achieved by dynamically and Subjectively establishing cross-modal correspondence between user and the Hybrid System via the User Interface and User Experience, independently of a thermostatic value (or bulk air / fluid anchor). Such ability of the present Invention is a significant improvement, where both system and user can mutually reinforce a synergistic relationship for mutually beneficial Goals, that may otherwise be in competition (e.g. increase comfort, reduce cost; two users with different user States in the same environmental State) if anchored by a thermostatic point of reference. Known approaches to zone heating Control, to optimise energy efficiency with heat utility, may be based on bulk-air / fluid heating and thermostatic measurement, therefore miss one or several problems when considering the Operative characteristics of Hybrid Systems and the User Experience (cross-modal context) of the present Invention:

[0091] 1. Optimising the balance between baseline bulk air / fluid conditioning and Infrared heating (or ventilation) requires Objective and Subjective data, feedback loops, and control, and the deployment of flexible Strategies to achieve weighted Goals.

[0092] 2. That parallel processing / computation of data and deployment of machine learning algorithms significantly improve the assessment of complex tradeoffs between Objective and Subjective States I preferences I tolerances I Goals, to deploy optimised Control Strategies in the Context.

[0093] 3. Therefore, deploying Strategies where infrared heating (or ventilated cooling) and lighting (or sound) that may be responsive in performance may achieve efficiency Goals, through zoning, that other bulk air / fluid heating and cooling systems cannot.

[0094] 4. Modulating and / or optimisation of such conditions requires the interpolation of effective deployment of infrared (or ventilation) Qualities with user State and the environmental State, to select the best Strategies for power source selection and modulation.

[0095] 5. Zoning of conditioning effect is not efficiency modulated or optimised. Deploying infrared heating to the whole space rather than directionally I selectively to account for different user States in the same environmental State has not yet been achieved.

[0096] 6. Lighting Strategies, such as Signifier lighting (or sound), as a User Interface to show system State may not be efficient or optimised in the context of a user interface (e.g. red = radiant heating is on; yellow = Goal active to minimise Cost).

[0097] 7. Heretofore not enabled in this technical area are Strategies such as locationbased Ambient lighting (or sound) - a User Interface - to show system State and / or environment State (such as the zone in which heating I ventilation is active) to affect behaviours (such as sitting in the zone of active heating I ventilation) and I or to separate conditions in spaces with multiple user State requirements. 8. There is a need for improved User Experience between connected environments through Strategies, such as visual continuity of the Ambient lighting (or sound) as a User Interface to affect user State where those spaces may in fact be under different environmental States (e.g. to reduce Cost, according to utility).

[0098] In addressing the problems disclosed and / or discussed herein the present Invention advantageously may:

[0099] - optimise energy use (deploys heat mix - convective and / or radiant or cooling mix - convective and / or ventilation) as a function of Operative Temperature and emissive Qualities, rather than thermostatic air temperature alone. Thus, energy savings may be achieved by producing a combination of lower ambient temperatures with higher radiant temperature (or higher air temperatures with higher ventilation); and / or

[0100] - improve comfort by providing a faster response using radiant heating (or ventilation) of people and / or surfaces, preferable to bulk air / fluid heating; and / or

[0101] - - achieve the same or equivalent Operative Temperature through lower absolute background air temperatures (or higher air temperatures) with higher radiant temperatures, comprising the pre-conditioning of the thermal mass of surfaces, (or higher ventilation). The most energy efficient achievement of perceived comfort may be dependent on how thermally well isolated the space is. The Invention therefore determines the appropriate Strategy by monitoring and assessing the environmental State alongside the combined systems State.

[0102] A system may further comprise one or more light sources or emitters. Preferably the light sources are modulatable. Most preferably, the hue, saturation, and luminosity (HSL) of the light source may be modulated. The light source emission spectrum may be modulated, preferably the light source spectrum is selected from one or more of: WOOK (“warm-congruent”), 4000K (“Neutral”); and 6500K (“cool-congruent”).

[0103] In the present context, light is preferably defined as electromagnetic radiation of one or more wavelengths that is visible to the human eye.

[0104] Light is advantageous in the operation of the system or apparatus in that it allows:

[0105] - Alignment of the source and choreography (of Context) of the light and heat to optimise the perception of comfort, and this effect may be synergistic; and / or - Alignment is typically synchronous, to reinforce cross-modal correspondence, but may also mimic the effect in an asynchronous manner to optimise energy cost; and / or

[0106] - Improvement in the real-time visibility of the performance of the system.

[0107] In the present context the system may comprise multiple light sources or emitters that may be modulated for HSL to indicate the State of the apparatus or combined system and / or the State of the environment. Preferably the light source indicates whether the system is active and most preferably which component, or location in the environment, of the system is active (e.g. heater and / or fan). Even more preferably the light source may indicate the power usage of the component and / or system. This indicates to the user or occupant how quickly conditions are changing and how their comfort may be affected as a result.

[0108] The system may further comprise an electrical power connector(s)

[0109] The system may further comprise a pulse width modulation module(s).

[0110] The system may further comprise a transformer module(s).

[0111] The system may further comprise a wireless communications module(s) (e.g. Wi-Fi).

[0112] The system may further comprise a microphone.

[0113] The system may further comprise a speaker. Similarly to the light source, the speaker may indicate whether the system is active and most preferably which component, or location in the environment, of the system is active (e.g. heater and / or fan). Even more preferably the speaker may indicate the power usage of the component and / or system. This indicates to the user or occupant how quickly conditions are changing and how their comfort may be affected as a result. The audible signal from the signal may be continuous but is preferably intermittent.

[0114] The system may further comprise a motion sensor(s). The system may further comprise a carbon dioxide sensor(s). Use of one or more of these features yields the advantage of determining the occupancy of a space or environment and therefore the extent to which the conditions for a person, surface, and / or volume of that space or environment should be prioritised, with the attendant effect on efficiency of distribution and use of resources.

[0115] The system may further comprise a light sensor(s).

[0116] The system may further comprise a hygrometer(s). Relative humidity affects the perception of temperature. Thus inclusion of a hygrometer has the advantage of measuring a parameter that has an effect on the PCRP. The system may further comprise a temperature sensor(s).

[0117] The system may further comprise a timer or clock.

[0118] The system may further comprise an infrared heat emitter. The system may further comprise one or more heat emitters selected from: a responsive heat emitter; and a passive heat emitter. The heat emitter may produce infrared wavelengths selected from: near infrared (e.g. high-intensity) wavelengths; or far infrared (e.g. low-intensity) wavelengths. The heat emitter may produce infrared wavelengths modulated between: near infrared (higher-intensity) wavelengths; and far infrared (lower-intensity) wavelengths. The system may further comprise one or more light emitters selected from: a red, green, and blue (RGB) and / or a colour-correlated temperature (CCT) LED modules.

[0119] The light and / or heat emitters may be arranged in a toroidal configuration or an inline configuration.

[0120] The inward-facing surface (facing towards a mounting surface) of the emitters may further comprise of composite layers of reflective and thermally insulating materials.

[0121] The outward-facing surface (facing away from a mounting surface) of the emitters may have curved and / or angled surfaces and / or edges, preferably curved or angled outer edges.

[0122] The system may be modular and comprises one or more light emitter modules and / or one or more heat emitter modules.

[0123] The system may comprise a fan.

[0124] The system may further comprise of mounting brackets.

[0125] The system may be for mounting on a surface, such as a ceiling or a wall.

[0126] The system may be for mounting on a supporting and stabilising structure allowing it to be mounted at a distance from a mounting surface or free-standing.

[0127] The invention additionally provides a method for conditioning the Operative Temperature of a volume, comprising the steps of: a) determining the Operative Temperature or rate of change of temperature, of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume; and b) determining the PCRP of an occupant of the volume with respect to the temperature of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume; and illuminating all, part, or subsection of the volume with according to one or more of the following options (“visual Qualities”): 1 . light of a warm-congruent hue if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or parts or subsection thereof, is perceived as too cool.

[0128] 2. light of a neutral hue if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or parts or subsection thereof, is perceived as comfortable.

[0129] 3. light of a cool-congruent hue if the PCRP that the volume, or parts or subsection thereof, is perceived as too warm.

[0130] Additionally or alternatively, all, part, or a subsection of the volume may be illuminated according to one or more of the following further options (“visual Qualities”): i. a light less luminous and / or less saturated in colour, congruent to lower radiant flux (or ventilated air velocity), if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or part or subsection thereof, is perceived as marginally under-conditioned. ii. a light more luminous and / or more saturated in colour, congruent to higher radiant flux (or air velocity), if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or part or subsection thereof, is perceived as severely under-conditioned. iii. a visual light comparison, between two or more light sources in any one or more HSL, as a Strategy to affect the PCRP by emphasising the State of different volumes, or part or subsection thereof, preferably to counter the T roxler effect. iv. a visual light transition, changing in any one or more HSL in a short time frame, as a Strategy to affect the PCRP by emphasising a faster change of State. v. a visual light transition, changing in any one or more HSL in a longer time frame, as a Strategy to affect the PCRP by emphasising a slower change of State. vi. a visual light transition, changing in any one or more HSL over a longer time frame, as a Strategy to re-frame the condition of State before emphasising a change of State in a shorter time frame, to affect the PCRP, preferably to counter the Troxler effect.

[0131] The Control Strategy or method may be computer or Al implemented and deploy non-linear Strategies (e.g. to explore or exploit) to affect those States in present-time or predict future States to affect those States with present-time and future actions. For example: in order to achieve a weighted Goal of Cost efficiency, and without the need for a user input, the Al may explore the thermal under-conditioning of the air of a volume over time or between volumes. The system may preferably exploit visual Qualities as a User Interface to affect the environment State to affect the User(s) Experience (Subjective relationship with the Context), or change, or rate of change, or location of change of the environmental State, and preferentially explore radiant heating accordingly. Thus, favourably, use less energy to affect thermal Qualities than may nominally be deployed with bulk air / fluid heating.

[0132] In the present context determining the PCRP may be through analysis of past data sets (e.g. synthetically modelled data or historic real data) or through exploration of present user State (machine reinforcement learning and calibration). That is the process of how the user responds to and / or personalises conditions for their comfort and sets preferences (such as for their energy use). This method of adjustment (User Interface) is therefore similar to adjusting a thermostat, but is not directly anchored to particular set bulk air / fluid temperature that may be provided by thermostatic control of heating and cooling equipment. Instead, the User Interface may be favourably represented by a colour-coded (or sound-coded) reference aligned to how the system visually (or acoustically) represents the State of the environment and / or system, which is not linear and may be explored by the system. Thus, advantageously, the process of how the user responds to, or adapts, conditions for their comfort over time may be learned and exploited by the system as a function of responses, preferences, and / or Goals (or partly or wholly approximated from an existing database). Thus advantageously, the Control Strategies deployed by the system to optimise preferential outcomes may be non-linear, machine learned, and may be dynamically adjusted independently of bulk air / fluid conditions.

[0133] The method may additionally comprise the step of mixing or ventilating the air of the volume, preferably using a fan.

[0134] Determining the Operative Temperature of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume according to a method defined herein may additionally comprise the step of measuring the temperature or volume, part, and / or subsection thereof, and over time.

[0135] The method or Strategy may additionally comprise the step of rapidly increasing the Operative Temperature of all, part, or subsection of the volume if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or parts or subsection thereof, is perceived as substantially excessively cool.

[0136] The method or Strategy may additionally comprise the step of rapidly decreasing the Operative Temperature of all, part, or subsection of the volume if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or parts or subsection thereof, is perceived as substantially excessively warm. The unit may provide cooling by ventilation and may cut off the supply of energy to the heating system. Accordingly, unless the system is connected to a separate cooling apparatus, it may not remove heat from the volume.

[0137] The method may additionally comprise the step of obtaining a value of the desired user State of an occupant PCRP of the volume and determining the method or Strategy to deploy cooling or heating effects to the volume with respect to this desired user State.

[0138] The method may additionally comprise the step of determining of the PCRP by predicting the PCRP of an occupant of the volume with respect to the Operative Temperature of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume.

[0139] The prediction of the PCRP may be determined by an Artificial Intelligence (Al) algorithm. The Al algorithm may analyse recorded data of prior PCRP in the context of the methods or strategies describe herein, recorded system State, the current or future environment State, and the chosen preferences or Goals of the user or operator. The Goals may be selected and weighted (in terms of priority, importance, etc) from one or more of user State (e.g. location), system State (e.g. Cost), environmental State (e.g. utility, the usefulness of the system). These Goals may not be independent or mutually exclusive. For example, if user State and utility are prioritised then the extent of energy Cost may be changed. Achievement of the weighted Goals increase or decrease the reward received by the neural network (i.e. positively or negatively reinforces elected Strategies for achieving the optimum conditions) thus advantageously causing the system to make adjustments to better achieve the Goals.

[0140] The method may comprise the step of determining the occupant’s PCRP with reference to their PCRP with respect to the conditioned environmental State.

[0141] The method may additionally comprise the step of recalculating the PCRP at a frequency of 30 minutes or less, 20 minutes or less, 10 minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, 3 minutes or less, 1 minute or less, or 30 seconds or less.

[0142] The method or Strategy may comprise emitting radiant flux into all or a part of the volume, preferably the infrared flux and wavelength are modulated between: near infrared (e.g. high-intensity) wavelengths; and far infrared (e.g. low-intensity) wavelengths.

[0143] The method may comprise gauging the location of the occupant within the volume and the location of the occupant is used to predict the PCRP. The volume conditioned according to a method or Strategy set out herein may be enclosed, preferably the volume is in a built environment and / or a mobile vehicle.

[0144] The Invention also provides parallel processors (such as GPU’s) arranged in use to use an artificial intelligence algorithm predicting or determining the PCRP of an occupant of a defined volume, and the energy use and Cost based on Objective measure of the environmental State and / or system State, or past data sets.

[0145] The infrared radiant emitters may be of the electrical resistive type, preferably constructed with a composite material that advantageously optimise for one or more characteristics selected from:

[0146] 1 . Mass: reduce overall mass on the system to reduce forces on fixtures and / or transportation.

[0147] 2. Flexibility: take on curved geometric forms to increase the emissive arc of thermal radiation.

[0148] 3. Thermal performance: a. Thermal radiation efficiency: reduce losses in converting electrical power (input) into thermal radiation (output). b. Emissivity: temperature-independent performance characteristics to minimise losses from power modulation. c. Responsive: minimise the time to reach the desired temperature of the emissive surface. d. Uniformity: of the distribution of thermal performance properties across the emissive surface of the material. e. Stability: reduce compound stress and degradation (time to failure) from multiple heating and cooling cycles.

[0149] 4. Energy saving: as a combined outcome of the above characteristics and their Control.

[0150] The visible light emitters may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0151] Accordingly, apparatus of the invention may modify the environment of the user by modulating one or more of the following characteristics of that environment. Without wishing to be bound by theory, use of particular combinations and extents of the characteristics listed below condition the space occupied by the user to influence and / or affect the user’s perception of their comfort.

[0152] In the present context a space is a three-dimensional volume which is conditioned according to the apparatus, methods or Strategies, and systems described herein. The present invention may achieve one or more of the technical objectives described herein through the use of the apparatus and methods or Strategies described herein.

[0153] The environment in this context is preferably the indoor environment. That is a space within a building or other structure. Most preferably the indoor environment is separated from the outdoor environment by doors or other screening means for closing portals in a room or other space between the indoor and outdoor areas.

[0154] Qualities in relation to lighting may comprise the characteristic of hue. Qualities in relation to lighting may comprise the characteristic of saturation. Qualities in relation to lighting may comprise the characteristic of luminosity. Qualities in relation to lighting may comprise the characteristic of contrast. Qualities in relation to lighting may comprise the characteristic of frequency. Qualities in relation to lighting may comprise the characteristic of flux. Qualities in relation to lighting may comprise the characteristic of intensity. Qualities in relation to lighting may comprise the characteristic of temperature

[0155] Qualities in relation to environmental State may comprise the characteristic of temperature. Qualities in relation to environmental State may comprise the characteristic of field of dispersion (or concentration).

[0156] Qualities in relation to audio characteristics may comprise the characteristic of pitch (of sound), in the conditioned volume. Qualities in relation to audio characteristics may comprise the characteristic of quality (of sound), in the conditioned volume.

[0157] These characteristics may also be affected by one or more of the conditions described herein. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the position or location or movement of the user. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the physiological state (e.g. heart rate, skin conductance, skin temperature) of the user. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the physical or acoustic command of the user or operator. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the movement of air or other fluid in the conditioned volume. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the atmospheric flow rate in the conditioned volume. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the flow turbulence (or linearity), in the conditioned volume. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the humidity, in the conditioned volume. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the solar radiance, in the conditioned volume. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the carbon dioxide level, in the conditioned volume. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the luminosity, in the conditioned volume. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the temperature, in the conditioned volume. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the external environmental State (e.g. weather data). The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the power consumption of components of the system (system State). The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the power availability (e.g. generation and storage) of connected systems (system State). The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the time of day. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the date in the calendar year. The Qualities described herein may be modulated according to the geographic location (e.g. weather data).

[0158] Apparatus deployed in the context of modulating or otherwise controlling the above- mentioned Qualities and environmental State may comprise Infrared radiant emitters (electrical resistive type). Apparatus deployed in the context of modulating or otherwise controlling the above-mentioned Qualities and environmental State may comprise Visible light emitters (e.g. LEDs). Qualities in relation to lighting may comprise the characteristic of Acoustic sound emitters. Apparatus deployed in the context of modulating or otherwise controlling the above-mentioned Qualities and environmental State may comprise Air displacement I ventilation.

[0159] Thus, the apparatus may also comprise means for air displacement I ventilation. Such means may include air conditioning, forced-air heating, heat-exchange ventilation, and / or ducted or un-ducted fans.

[0160] The apparatus may also comprise parallel processors running software for Control of apparatus and connected systems components. The apparatus may also comprise parallel processors running software for communication and interfacing between components. The apparatus may also comprise parallel processors running software for sensing the conditions and / or changes of user, environmental and system State therein.

[0161] Furthermore, control or modulation of the apparatus described herein, and the methods or Strategies of control also described herein, may be enabled, or otherwise realised, through the use of apparatus comprising of parallel processors programmed to carry out a method or Strategy of the invention. Processing may be on a local computer / process or carried out on a remote or networked processor. The processor may be programmed to accept input information from components of the apparatus, preferably those components adapted to produce specific or measurable input, and process these inputs to produce a specified output. Preferably the inputs are processed by a machine learning model to produce the output.

[0162] Executing a method or Strategy of the invention may comprise the processors sensing State conditions, and interfacing and / or controlling apparatus. The communication between the parallel processors and the apparatus may be direct or indirect. That is, further apparatus components may link the control node to the actuator. The processor may be programmed with an algorithm (such as an Artificial Intelligence (Al) algorithm). Preferably the Al algorithm has been developed by machine reinforcement learning. Additionally, the processor may be programmed to update or augment a machine learning model. Preferably the updating or augmenting process is achieved through machine reinforcement learning. Preferably the updating or augmenting process is achieved via data and / or information on the user State.

[0163] The Qualities of the apparatus may be yielded by projection or emission of energy from components of the apparatus or by processing of air in the environment by components of the apparatus. Preferably, the components of the apparatus are controlled interdependent^ or independently by the user(s) or operator(s) or by processors comprised in the apparatus programmed to control the apparatus as described elsewhere herein. The apparatus may be controlled directly by the user(s), the operator(s), or the processors, or a combination thereof. The apparatus may be controlled remotely by the user(s), the operator(s) the processors, or a combination thereof.

[0164] The invention aims to provide the user with apparatus and methods and Strategies that beneficially yield the perception of Comfort by creating, biasing, and enhancing multi-sensory and synergistic effects and experiences in the built environment and / or within the field of the user’s perception.

[0165] Thus, Qualities may be deployed with synergistic effect as a means of communication or User Interface in order to enhance cross-sensory correspondence to affect the perception of the prevailing environmental conditions. These may flow from one or more of the following characteristics of the user:

[0166] - Agency: the means to link the User Interface (user State) with the User Experience (environmental State and system State) by which cross-sensory or cross-modal correspondence may be Established, Reinforced and Enhanced, and synergistic Qualities may be optimised. Preferably the user’s agency in this instance is in relation to their inference of the conditions and, accordingly, may be predictive in nature.

[0167] - Anchoring: creating a reference point for the user in respect to one or more Qualities, or yielding a user’s perception of one or more relationships between one or more Qualities, so that changes in any or each of the relevant Qualities yields a beneficial effect.

[0168] - Congruence: whereby a user’s perception of Qualities is applied such that the user infers a complimentary State between the Qualities and the congruence reinforces the perception of the complimentary State to amplify or augment the User Experience.

[0169] - Contrast: whereby a user’s perception of changes in Qualities (which may also be related to external conditions, time and I or location) emphasise or highlight particular characteristics in order to amplify or augment the User Experience.

[0170] Beneficial effects may be additive or cumulative in the case of unexpected beneficial effects with respect to a User Experience. The beneficial effect of the invention may be synergistic with respect to a User Experience.

[0171] Thermal conditions may be perceived physiologically by a user through contact with air. The User Experience of the thermal conditions may be affected by the air temperature, relative humidity, and / or velocity (e.g. air flow from a fan). Additionally, the proximity to a radiant heat source may affect a User Experience of the thermal conditions. Heating an environment may require processing, i.e. heating large volumes of air, which can require extensive time and energy. In addition, hot air rises and displaces colder air, and thus yields stratification of thermal environmental conditions in a room or other environment.

[0172] Accordingly, apparatus and methods of the invention may employ fans or other means of movement of air in order to break up or otherwise disrupt the stratification of thermal conditions in order to improve or optimise the User Experience.

[0173] Perceptions of comfort may be cross-sensory or cross-modal User Experience that may be conditioned by time, location, and Qualities of emissive sources:

[0174] Figure 1 A describes participants reporting their Personal Comfort (Response), from “Very cold” (-3) to “Very hot” (+3). Figure 1 B describes participants reporting their personal comfort Preference, from “Much warmer” (-3) to “Much cooler” (+3), relative to three mutually exclusive participant groups and experimentation modes:

[0175] 1 . “Cool” light, no radiant heat (cool-congruent)

[0176] 2. “Cool” light, with directed radiant heat (cool-warm incongruent)

[0177] 3. “Warm” light, with directed radiant heat (warm-congruent)

[0178] The environment (a room) may be conditioned by the present Invention which provides the light emissive Qualities and radiant emissive Qualities, whilst a centrally heated, bulk fluid-air based heating system may provide bulk-air conditioning.

[0179] Initial environment conditions in all modes may be a room with an under-conditioned bulk-air temperature, and “neutral” light Qualities. Objectively, at the time (0), the light and the radiant heating emissive Qualities, of the present Invention, may be activated for modes 1 , 2 and 3 as described above. Modes 1 and 2 share light emissive Qualities. Modes 2 and 3 share radiant heat emissive Qualities. Overall, there is a Subjective variability in the reported preferences amongst participants. Comparatively, the results present:

[0180] 1 . Mode 1 : minimal change in perceived thermal comfort levels.

[0181] 2. Mode 2: incongruent conditions create thermal uncertainty across the group, with responses to radiant heat Qualities in conflict with cool light Qualities.

[0182] - The calculated average of Percentage of People Dissatisfaction (PPD) levels decreasing by circa 18% over 30 minutes (5% in 5 minutes).

[0183] 3. Mode 3: congruent responses to radiant heat Qualities and warm light Qualities results in a trend towards “Slightly warm” (Response) and “Slightly cooler” (Preference), with improvement in under 5 minutes.

[0184] - The calculated average of PPD levels decreasing by circa 29% over 30 minutes (10% in 5 minutes).

[0185] Figure 1A and 1 B indicate a distinction between comfort Response and Preference, the bulk air temperature, and the advantageous synergistic benefits between time, location / direction and emissive Qualities provided by responsive and directed radiant heating and a congruent User Experience. Mode 3 offers the potential for a greater reduction in energy demand and responsive improvement in perceived comfort, where a User Interface may be a Response and / or a Preference (PCRP) their experience. Figure 1 C shows the results from experiments that provide evidence of the hue-heat effect and time dependency thereof. The invention enhances the perception of Comfort by conditioning a space by deploying Qualities synergistically using Methods to create and reinforce multi-sensory associations in time and location. In contrast to thermostatic controls, the invention allows “Comfort Bridging,” whereby visual and I or auditory Qualities allow the user to infer conditions and thereby form an expectation that is predictive in nature in relation to the heating and I or cooling Qualities of the environment.

[0186] The apparatus and methods or Strategies (Figures 10 to 18) of the invention may comprise components or subassemblies (Figures 6 to 9D) to modulate or yield the desired environmental State and User Experience (Figures 10A to 18) listed herein in a responsive and directional and / or location-based manner (Figures 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A , 10B). Advantageously, the invention may comprise components or subassemblies to modulate or yield the desired environmental State and User Experience within varying space constraints and existing fixtures (Figure 7A, 7B, 7C), preferably within the built environment.

[0187] The invention presents information as a User Experience and / or a User Interface. The invention allows the comfort of the user to be improved through their perception of the prevailing environmental State and / or System State. Thus, the Invention comprises means and / or methods of directing and modulating a signal of emissive Qualities (Figure 9D, and 11 ) to the user. Thus, the invention may provide information via the User Interface (Figure 9C, 9D). The User Interface may collect PCRP (Figure 9C and 11 ). The User Interface may also allow other System settings to be observed or changed, and may indicate the Operative Temperature (Figure 10A) as well as the environmental State and / or system State (Figure 9A).

[0188] The user’s perception of their Comfort by conditioning the environment may be achieved by deploying Qualities using Methods or Strategies (Figures 10 to 18) such to create and reinforce multi-sensory associations in time and location (see also Figure 9B, 10B) such that a synergistic effect is achieved in relation to the User Experience. In contrast to Objective thermostatic controls, that Anchor with a thermostatic number (Figure 10A), the present Invention provides user Agency through the User Interface and optimises performance through Anchoring, Congruence, and Contrast, according to the Subjective User Experience(s) , whereby individual, combinations, and subsets of Qualities allow the user to infer and thus expect the State of the heating and / or cooling conditions in the present and future conditioned environment. This is achieved by modulating the system State and environmental State using the following Strategies over time and / or location through Agency, Anchoring, Congruence, and Contrast: - Establishing: (Figure 11 ).

[0189] - Reinforcing: (Figure 12).

[0190] - Enhancing: (Figure 13).

[0191] Traxler's fading, also called Traxler fading or the Traxler effect, is an optical illusion affecting visual perception. When one fixates on a particular point for even a short period of time, an unchanging stimulus away from the fixation point will fade away and disappear.

[0192] Energy efficiency may be improved by deploying the Qualities described herein temporally, i.e. according to external conditions, time and I or place of use (Figure 9B) and / or by delaminating localised thermal air pockets (Figures 10B).

[0193] The apparatus may be modular, and this yields the advantage of integration with existing system(s) (e.g. a light fixture and / or fan) (Figure 7C) and leveraging cooperating effects of the invention with respect to the system of technologies deployed to enhance the perception of thermal gain or thermal loss (Figure 9D). Alternatively, or in addition, use of the apparatus may be modulated to improve comfort and / or reduce energy expenditure by reducing bulk-air heating (Figure 9B, 10A) and Cost by selecting preferable energy sources (Figure 9A).

[0194] The apparatus may comprise infrared radiant heating. This has the advantage of yielding thermal gain to a person, and surfaces (Figure 1A, 1 B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 9D, 10A).

[0195] The apparatus may comprise fan-assisted ventilation. This has the advantage of yielding thermal loss from a person, and surfaces (Figure8B, 9D, 10A).

[0196] The modular panels (Figure 7A) may be linked through a universal connector (Figure 7B), and wireless communications (Figure 9A) and this yields the advantage of simplified adaptation of the number of subassemblies of different types required in particular installation locations. This modularity also yields the advantage of simplified diagnostics and repair of the overall system.

[0197] The form of the Device may be substantially a toroidal, annular or ring shape (Figure 7A).

[0198] The Modular panels of the Device may be combined to form a toroidal or annular configuration, preferably a torus (Figure 7B). Thus, the modular panel may be produced to be a curved section, preferably the curve follows the form of a circumferential minor arc of a circle. The Modular panels used to form a modular toroid version of the Device may be combined to form an undulating and / or meandering and / or linear configuration (Figure 7B). Experimentation results (Figures 1A, 1 B) and computational fluid dynamic simulations (Figures 2 to 5) of the Torus configuration illustrate the advantageous capabilities for adapting thermal Qualities (such as flux and field of dispersion) to optimise thermal comfort at lower ambient temperatures, and advantageously save energy.

[0199] The form of the Device may be a torus with a curved exterior edge (Figure 6, 8A) to optimise the emissive surface area of the Device for a given width. The form of the Device may be a torus with a curved interior edge. The form of the Device may be a torus with curved interior and exterior edges. Experimentation results (Figures 1 A, 1 B) and computational fluid dynamic simulations with this design show improved comfort qualities in combination with improved energy efficiency in under-conditioned spaces or environments.

[0200] Modular panels of heating elements may be advantageously combined into a “Heat Envelope” by deploying thermal Qualities in one or more of 3 configurations:

[0201] - “Responsive” heat panels or parts of the heat panels that may have a lower thermal capacity to rapidly reach their surface temperature of operation and thus emissive Qualities, typically for use over a shorter time-frame. .

[0202] - “Passive” heat panels or parts of the heat panels that may have a higher thermal capacity and offer stable emissive Qualities, typically for use over a longer time-frame.

[0203] - “User Interface” heat sources (or equivalent of) built into a User Interface to provide tactile (through contact) thermal Qualities.

[0204] The Thermal Envelope advantageously yields a synergistic combination of performance characteristics (Figure 9C, 9D) that may be combined in several ways to optimise comfort, and minimise energy expenditure and carbon impact. These characteristics may include the emission or projection of one or more of:

[0205] - Near (high intensity) to far (low-intensity) infrared wavelengths, thus to advantageously simulate the spectral qualities and experience of solar warmth.

[0206] - Short-term (high flux) heat-on-demand and / or longer-term (low-flux) conditioning of a space.

[0207] - Spot or touch (concentrated field of flux) and / or spread (dispersed field of flux) heat to advantageously direct warmth to locations where its effect has a greater impact on PCRP. Alternatively, associations may be established with ventilation for cooling and thermal destratification, such as through velocity and turbulence, in the case of warm environments, where heat is not required, and where thermal convection displaces heat (Figure 8B, 15).

[0208] The invention may use LEDs yielding Qualities (such as hue, saturation, and luminosity) that may be modulated. The Modular design (Figure 7C, 8A), and the preferred Torus configuration, offers combinations of light Qualities in several ways allowing for bespoke Methods or Strategies to be deployed by any configuration of the Device.

[0209] The modular design advantageously allows for the merging of lighting and heating Qualities to simulate solar effects and experience (Figure 18). This has the benefit of improving comfort where radiant asymmetry is a factor, since the experience is rendered more believable and natural: the sun, such as experienced through a skylight, is in one position in the sky at any one time.

[0210] Advantageously perceptions of Comfort may be Established, Reinforced, and Enhanced by conditioning a space for the user. Thus (illustrated by Figures 11 to 18):

[0211] - Warm-congruent, combined with other Qualities of light, may infer the anticipation of warming, the rate of warming, and perception of a warmer environment.

[0212] - Cool-congruent, combined with other Qualities of light, may infer the anticipation of cooling, the rate of cooling, and perception of a cooler environment.

[0213] Thus a “Visual Envelope” (Figure 9C, 9D) may be advantageously produced by deploying lighting Qualities in one or more of three configurations:

[0214] - “Ambient” light sources may project light Qualities into an operative space (such as a room or work space or a product surface, such as a bed or sofa) to advantageously provide direct illumination and condition the space (Figure 9D, 11 ).

[0215] - “Signifier” light sources may project light Qualities onto a non-operative space (such as a wall or a ceiling) to advantageously provide indirect illumination and condition the space (Figure 9D, 10B, 11 ).

[0216] - “User Interface” built into a User Interface to provide visual Qualities (Fig. 9C, 11 ). Furthermore, the Qualities of the Light Envelope may also yield feedback to the user through inference by the user and allowing the user to interact with changing or evolving environmental or system States (Figures 11 to 18). Without wishing to be bound by theory, this extends to additional advantages emergent through the deployment of the present Invention, connected technologies, methods and strategies, and experiences; for example, synergistic and beneficial effects from changes in comfort-seeking behaviour (Figure 10B) and cycadean rhythm and wellbeing (Figure 17).

[0217] Advantageously, similar associations to those associated with light, above, may be established with respect to the emission of sounds with particular Quality, such as through modulating pitch. These advantageously allow the use of the apparatus, methods or Strategies, and systems described herein in the context of a user’s colourblindness, blindness, or where light is not desired.

[0218] The form factor of the invention may be a ceiling mounted unit, but the properties of the system may be embodied in different form factors, which may be selected from: surface-mounted, under-floor, free-standing, portable, and wearable Systems.

[0219] The invention optimises the emissive Qualities and Methods or Strategies deployed by predicting and applying optimal operating parameters of each Device, between Devices and with existing heating and lighting technologies within the built environment (Figure 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D). The invention may additionally employ or produce / educate parallel processing and machine reinforcement learning algorithms. Such algorithms may thus advantageously enhance user Comfort whilst minimising energy expenditure and carbon emission.

[0220] Such machine learning may draw on data input(s) from several relevant Sources. Thus machine learning may draw on data input(s) from User identification and User Interface (user State). Thus machine learning may draw on data input(s) from Sensors or monitoring devices (environmental State). Thus machine learning may draw on data input(s) from Connected energy systems (system State). Thus machine learning may draw on data input(s) from Connected (remote) control systems and data source (e.g. date and time).

[0221] Communication between subcomponents of the system and / or the user may be enabled through any of Visual, physical, and auditory Qualities and interactions (Figure 9D). Communication between subcomponents of the system and / or the user may be enabled through wireless and wired data transfer between sources (Figure 9A).

[0222] The apparatus, methods or Strategies, and systems described herein may operate in a synergistic manner, of which one or more of the synergistic effects listed below may be employed:

[0223] - Existing centralised heating of cooling systems may provide a baseline or set-back air-conditioned temperature, whilst the apparatus, methods or Strategies, and systems described herein may provide “top up” comfort (Figure 9B, 10A). If Application Programming Interface (API) capabilities exist, then the control of Qualities (Figure 9A) may advantageously be automated without the User needing to control separate technologies.

[0224] - If an apparatus, method or Strategy, and / or system described herein is the only form of heating for a particular space, then it operates accordingly. The performance of the invention may be improved by the use of a fan system for delaminating and distributing air (Figures 10B), preferably the fan system is a module of the larger modular system described herein (Figure 8B).

[0225] - A similar relationship may be advantageously established with other smart lighting and / or sound systems that have API capabilities (Figure 9D).

[0226] - A similar relationship may be advantageously established with other smart wearable systems that have API capabilities, such as phone, watch, ring, or other wearables.

[0227] - A similar relationship may be advantageously established with other smart vehicle systems that have API capabilities, such as an electric vehicle.

[0228] The invention may comprise a User Interface to the Device(s). The user interface may comprise a visual element with light Qualities. The user interface may comprise a tactile element with thermal Qualities. The user interface may comprise an acoustic element with sound Qualities. The user interface may comprise Sensor, communication, and control capabilities.

[0229] The portable User Interface advantageously provides means for the System to most effectively deploy the Methods or Strategies that Establish, Reinforce, and Enhance synergistic perceptions of comfort by enabling one or more of:

[0230] - The User to input requirements (Agency) (Figures 9, 11 to 18).

[0231] - The User to Experience system response and enhance cross-sensory correspondence (Anchoring, Contrast, Congruence) (Figures 9, 11 to 18). - Feedback between User and System (Figures 9, 11 to 18) thus allowing machine reinforcement learning by the System to optimise the deployment of Methods or Strategies.

[0232] - For time and location-based interaction where needed (Figure 9B, 10B, 11 - 18), including experiences, such as those related to circadian rhythms (Figure 17).

[0233] The apparatus and systems described herein may operate independently (“standalone”), to provide multi-sensory comfort in a single space. The apparatus and systems described herein may also be linked together and operate as a Mesh Network across several spaces in the built environment (Figure 9A, 9B). Use of a Mesh Network provides the advantage of providing synergistic performance characteristics, which may be further improved through location-based and time-based data collection, analysis, and coordinated control between Devices. This can, for example, anticipate the pre-conditioning (heating without occupancy) of frequently accessed spaces (Figures 9B, 18). Several benefits may therefore be enabled in the context of the present invention, including one or more of:

[0234] - Use of a Mesh Network may also yield the advantage of accessibility and scalability of the System to cover a wider area.

[0235] - Use of the apparatus, methods or Strategies and systems described herein may yield reduction in carbon emissions. This may be achieved by improving adapting to the PCRP of the user in concert with other Goals of reducing demand and thus energy expenditure and Cost. Furthermore, the apparatus, methods or Strategies and systems described herein may reduce carbon emissions by employing one or more of:

[0236] - Reducing demand on an existing central heating system (where present) that is drawing energy from burning of fossil fuels by allowing the system to employ a lower flow temperature or thermostatic set-back temperature.

[0237] - Increase demand on the existing central heating system (where present) that is run on electricity when electricity supply is generated at times of plentiful renewable sources.

[0238] - Reducing energy demand, by selection of technologies and modulating the Qualities synergistically described herein, at times when the supply of electricity is yielded by generating energy from fossil fuel sources. - Integrating the energy supply with a battery storage system (e.g. electric vehicle), where the battery may be charged when electricity supply is generated through renewable sources, and drained at time of need.

[0239] - Integrating the energy supply with renewable electricity sources, such as rooftop solar photovoltaic panels.

[0240] Examples and Drawings

[0241] The invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings and examples in which:

[0242] Fig. 1 Fig. 1A and Fig. 1 B: shows the results from experiments that provide evidence of advantages offered by the hue-heat effect, directional deployment of radiant heat, and time dependency thereof. The invention enhances the perception of Comfort (the User Experience) by conditioning the user and a space by deploying Qualities synergistically using Methods or Strategies to create and reinforce multi-sensory associations in time and location. In contrast to thermostatic controls and bulk-air / fluid heating, the invention allows multi-sensory associations to form, whereby visual (and I or auditory) Qualities allow the user to infer conditions and thereby form an expectation that is predictive in nature and synergistic in effect, in relation to the heating (and I or cooling) Qualities of the environment. Differences between Fig. 1A and Fig. 1 B illustrate a distinction between Responses and Preferences that inform Control Strategies of States. Fig. 1 C shows the results from experiments that provide evidence of the hue-heat effect and time dependency thereof.

[0243] Fig. 2 illustrates the heat map (air temperature, not radiant) development over time from the Torus design (Fig. 6) with low-temperature radiant elements in an under-conditioned room (17°C).

[0244] Fig. 3 illustrates the synergistic effect with low-velocity fan system delaminating and re-distributing localised warmer air. Resulting in a lower heat consumption requirement. (Fig. 3a, 80°C radiant surface, no fan.; Fig. 3b, 80°C radiant surface, with fan. 40°C radiant surface, with fan. See also Fig.5)

[0245] Fig. 4 illustrates the heat map (air temperature, not radiant) development over time from the Torus design (Fig. 6) with high-temperature radiant elements in an under-conditioned room (17°C). Fig. 5 illustrates the Predictive Mean [comfort] Vote (PMV; PCRP component equivalent in this context) results of each scenario against as standard air- conditioned room at 20°C and separate body parts.

[0246] Fig. 6 shows the “Torus” ceiling mounted version of the invention and detail of the curved radiant edge.

[0247] Fig. 7 Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B illustrate alternative modular assemblies and formfactors of the “Torus” ceiling mounted version of the invention to form alternative shapes and the power and structural linkages. Fig. 7C illustrates how the “modular space”, i.e. space for additional equipment to be installed, or permit the integration of existing lighting fixtures within the environment, within the “Torus” ceiling mounted version of the invention, may have additional apparatus installed therein in order to yield additional, greater, or synergistic effects with respect to the user’s perception of their environment.

[0248] Fig. 8 Fig. 8A illustrates the separate lighting and heating configurations and components of the apparatus described in Figures 6 and 7, and the curved edge to optimise the radiant emissive surface area for a given width. Fig. 8B Illustrates separate lighting, heating, and ventilation configurations, alongside reversable direction of rotation and ventilation of the fan assembly.

[0249] Fig. 9 Fig. 9A shows a diagram illustrating the mesh system (nodes), and data collection and exchange (computational and multi-sensory User Interface I User Experience), for control, the integration of existing heating and lighting systems (via API), local and cloud based data storage, processing, and control; and the synergistic effects provided thereby. Fig.9B shows a diagram illustrating Fig. 9A as a cross-section of a home environment and examples of the system Control methods relative to user behaviour, such as transition between rooms and utility of rooms. Fig.9C shows components of the combined hybrid system, in particular graphical representation of the Device, sensors, user, User Interfaces, the measured air temperature (thermostatic point) and perceived temperature (User Experience). Fig.9D is a graphical representation showing the visual and thermal (multi-sensory) information / data, or User Interface and User Experience of the Environmental and System States.

[0250] Fig. 10 Fig. 10A: Illustrates differences between User Experience and thermostatic (point) measurements and between stand-alone radiant heating, bulk-air / fluid heating (convective), and the preferred advantages of the present Invention as a hybrid system with PCRP-enabled Control. Also shown is a key to lighting conditions (greyscale) relative to typically warm (dark grey) and / or cool (light grey). Other variable Qualities, such as luminosity, are not illustrated for purposes of clarity. Fig. 10B shows differences between User Experience and thermostatic (point) measurements between typical radiant panel and bulk-air / fluid configurations (convective), and the preferred advantages of the present Invention as a directional radiant heating system (high flux: greater dot density; low flux: lesser dot density) and with ventilated delamination Control methods.

[0251] Fig. 1 1 Shows a graphical representation of the User Interface to select PRCP and, as an example, how the Hybrid System responds by Control method and / or strategy to Establishing multi-sensory associations in the User Experience, for heating and cooling. The illustration separates visual and thermal characteristics for the purposes of clarity, but the process is coordinated synergistically.

[0252] Fig. 12 Shows a graphical representation of the differences between User Experience and thermostatic (point) measurements, and description based on how the Device might respond by Control method and / or strategy to Reinforce multi-sensory associations in the User Experience, for radiant heating. The illustration separates visual and thermal characteristics for the purposes of clarity, but the process is coordinated synergistically.

[0253] Fig. 13 Shows a graphical representation of the differences between User Experience and thermostatic (point) measurements, and description based on how the Device might respond by Control method and / or strategy to Enhance multi-sensory associations in the User Experience, for radiant heating. The illustration separates visual and thermal characteristics for the purposes of clarity, but the process is coordinated synergistically.

[0254] Fig. 14 Shows a graphical representation of the differences between User Experience and thermostatic (point) measurements, and description based on how the Hybrid System might respond by Control method and / or strategy combining the Device with other (bulk-air / fluid) heating sources. The illustration separates visual and thermal characteristics for the purposes of clarity, but the process is coordinated synergistically.

[0255] Fig. 15 Shows a graphical representation of the differences between User Experience and thermostatic (point) measurements, and description based on how the Hybrid System might respond by Control method and / or strategy combining the Device with other (bulk-air / fluid) cooling sources. The illustration separates visual and thermal characteristics for the purposes of clarity, but the process is coordinated synergistically.

[0256] Fig. 16 Shows a graphical representation of the differences between User Experience and thermostatic (point) measurements, and description based on how the Hybrid System might respond by Control method and / or strategy combining the Device with other lighting sources. The illustration separates visual and thermal characteristics for the purposes of clarity, but the process is coordinated synergistically.

[0257] Fig. 17 Shows the simulation of experiences by the system described herein to mimic those known by the user for synergistic effects. In this case an illustration of “sunrise” to affect cycadean adaptation and improve wellbeing.

[0258] Fig. 18 Shows a graphical representation of the differences between User Experience and thermostatic (point) measurements, and description based on how the Device might respond by Control method and / or strategy to user behaviour, such as transition between rooms and utility of rooms.

[0259] Example 1

[0260] Laboratory experimentation with the prototype of the invention has demonstrated a synergistic effect between infrared heating and LED hue and luminosity.

[0261] Experiments were run in a controlled environmental chamber conditioned to 18°C. Participants were divided into three groups and each exposed to the infrared heat, provided by the invention, and one of three colour correlated hues (1800K “warm- congruent”, 4000K “Neutral”, and 6500K “warm incongruent” I “cool-congruent”; one group one hue).

[0262] The participants Personal Comfort (PC) votes as shown in Figure 1 C evidence the existence of a synergistic effect on the participants’ perception of their comfort. In particular, There is a statistically relevant difference between the scenarios (PC - H(2) = 8.145, p = 0.017) Thus it is shown that people in “warm-congruent” scenarios are less likely to want to change their environment (voting 0 “no change”) compared with the “Neutral” scenario.

[0263] In contrast, participants in the Neutral scenario who are voting towards -1 “would like to feel warmer”. It is also shown and illustrated in Figure 1 C that this effect is most significant in the first 10-20 minutes of exposure.

[0264] The results shown in Figure 1 C provide evidence of the result of employing the hueheat effect and its time dependency. The perception of Comfort is enhanced by conditioning a space by using the Qualities described herein to yield a synergistic effect that creates and reinforces multi-sensory associations with respect to time and location. Unlike thermostatic controls, the apparatus used here, in concert with control to employ the hue-heat effect, yields the effect of “Comfort Bridging,” for the user whereby visual and I or auditory Qualities allow the user to infer and thus expect the nature of the heating and I or cooling conditions in the conditioned room or environment.

[0265] In addition, Figure 5 illustrates the Predictive Mean [comfort] Vote (PMV) results of each scenario against as standard air-conditioned room at 20°C and separate body parts.

[0266] Example 2

[0267] Apparatus having a modular torus design is shown in Figures 6 to 8 and works in concert with the invention to achieve some or all of the aims of the invention.

[0268] In the context of these Figures the primary components are:

[0269] - Device(s), i.e. the primary source of radiant heat and light, and I or sound, and I or ventilation in the operative environment.

[0270] - User Interfaces and I or Comfort Control and I or Local Hub components providing the primary data processing, control, and feedback interface(s). Accordingly, these components may also comprise Sensors.

[0271] - One or more sensor(s) serving as the primary source of data about the environment (internally and externally) State and the User State. The Sensors may be incorporated into the System to provide the data input and feedback on the performative Qualities of the System, in the operative conditions of the internal and external environment State. In addition, a local communication Hub interprets data inputs (from llser(s), Sensor(s), and Cloud data, storage, process, and / or control) and interfaces with the Device and the existing heating system and / or lighting system), and adjusts emissive Qualities to optimise the perceived Comfort, performance, and behavioural characteristics of the System, whether a single unit or as a Mesh Network. The feedback loop controlling the system utilises the principles of Machine Reinforcement Learning.

[0272] In this context the apparatus or Device is designed to comprise a curved edged Torus (Fig. 6) and is modular in construction (Fig. 7A, 7B and 7C). Computational fluid dynamic simulations with this design show improved comfort qualities in combination with improved energy efficiency in under-conditioned spaces or environments (Fig. 5).

[0273] These arrangements of the apparatus and subcomponents thereof allows for:

[0274] - Deployment of synergistic Qualities by the methods and / or strategies described herein. Preferably the output of these methods and / or strategies are achieved through inference and are predictive in nature.

[0275] - Different rates of radiant flux emission or development (Figures 2, 4, 5).

[0276] - Multiple direction of heat projection to optimise the emissive surface area, improve the distribution or reduce asymmetry of heat.

[0277] - Different assembly combinations to suit location(s), space(s), condition(s), and affordability (Fig. 7A and 7B).

[0278] - Integration into the home environment (such as existing light fixtures) (Figure 7C).

[0279] - Deployment of synergistic effects through Modular upgrades according to user requirement (such as inclusion of ventilation means, e.g. a fan) (Figure 7C and Figure 3).

[0280] The Modular panels of the Device are shown combined into the Torus configuration (Figure 6) but may also be combined into other configurations, e.g. a linear or undulating form (Figure 7B) through differential use of a universal connection. The modular system comprises Infrared radiant heating (yielding thermal gain to a person, and surfaces; and or fan-assisted ventilation (yielding thermal loss from a person, and surface.

[0281] Computational fluid dynamic simulations (Figures 2-5) of the Torus configuration and experimentation (Figures 1A and 1 B) illustrate the advantageous capabilities for adapting thermal Qualities (such as flux and field of dispersion) to optimise thermal comfort at lower ambient temperatures, and thus save energy.

[0282] The apparatus thus deploys and synergistically combines these Modular panels of heating elements (Figures 7A, 7B and 7C) into a “Heat Envelope” by deploying thermal Qualities in 3 configurations:

[0283] - “Responsive” heat panels or parts of the heat panels that may have a lower thermal capacity to rapidly reach their surface temperature of operation and thus emissive Qualities, typically for use over a shorter time-frame.

[0284] - “Passive” heat panels or parts of the heat panels that may have a higher thermal capacity and offer stable emissive Qualities, typically for use over a longer timeframe.

[0285] - “User Interface” heat sources (or equivalent of) built into a User Interface to provide tactile (through contact) thermal Qualities.

[0286] The Thermal Envelope advantageously yields a synergistic combination of performance characteristics (Figure 9C, 9D) that may be combined in several ways to optimise comfort, and minimise energy expenditure and carbon impact. These characteristics may comprise the emission or projection of one or more of:

[0287] - Near (high intensity) to far (low-intensity) infrared wavelengths, thus to advantageously simulate the spectral qualities and experience of solar warmth.

[0288] - Short-term (high flux) heat-on-demand and / or longer-term (low-flux) conditioning of a space.

[0289] - Spot or touch (concentrated field of flux) and / or spread (dispersed field of flux) heat to advantageously direct warmth to locations where its effect has a greater impact on PCRP.

[0290] Alternatively, associations may be established with ventilation for cooling and thermal destratification, such as through velocity and turbulence, in the case of warm environments, where heat is not required, and where thermal convection displaces heat (Figure 8B, 15).

[0291] The invention may use LEDs yielding Qualities (such as hue, saturation, and luminosity) that may be modulated. The Modular design (Figure 7C, 8A), and the preferred Torus configuration, offers combinations of light Qualities in several ways allowing for bespoke Methods or Strategies to be deployed by any configuration of the Device. The modular design advantageously allows for the merging of lighting and heating Qualities to simulate solar effects and experience (Figure 18). This has the benefit of improving comfort where radiant asymmetry is a factor, since the experience is rendered more believable and natural: the sun, such as experienced through a skylight, is in one position in the sky at any one time.

[0292] Advantageously perceptions of Comfort may be Established, Reinforced, and Enhanced by conditioning a space for the user. Thus (illustrated by Figures 11 to 18):

[0293] - Warm-congruent, combined with other Qualities of light, can infer the anticipation of warming, the rate of warming, and perception of a warmer environment.

[0294] - Cool-congruent, combined with other Qualities of light, can infer the anticipation of cooling, the rate of cooling, and perception of a cooler environment.

[0295] Thus a “Visual Envelope” (Figure 9C, 9D) may be advantageously produced by deploying lighting Qualities in one or more of three configurations:

[0296] - “Ambient” light sources may project light Qualities into an operative space (such as a room or work space or a product surface, such as a bed or sofa) to advantageously provide direct illumination and condition the space (Figure 9D, 11 ).

[0297] - “Signifier” light sources may project light Qualities onto a non-operative space (such as a wall or a ceiling) to advantageously provide indirect illumination and condition the space (Figure 9D, 10B, 11 ).

[0298] - “User Interface” built into a User Interface to provide visual Qualities (Figure 9C, 1 1 ).

[0299] Furthermore, the Qualities of the Light Envelope also yield feedback to the user through inference by the user and allowing the user to interact with changing or evolving conditions. Thus a simulated experience, such as a sunrise may be produced.

[0300] Example 3

[0301] The apparatus, methods, strategies, and / or systems described herein enhance Comfort whilst minimising energy expenditure and carbon through machine reinforcement learning algorithms. The invention optimises the emissive Qualities Methods, and / or Strategies deployed by predicting and applying optimal operating parameters of each Device, between Devices and with existing heating and lighting (and / or cooling, and / or sound) technologies within the built environment. Learning may draw on data input(s) from several relevant Sources (Figure 9A), such as:

[0302] - User or Operator State, identification and User Interface or control.

[0303] - Environmental State: Sensors or monitoring devices of the internal and external environment (such as luminosity, radiant flux, temperature, location, time of day, local weather patterns).

[0304] - Connected energy systems State (such as battery storage, energy consumption, energy pricing).

[0305] Communication is enabled through:

[0306] - Visual, physical, and auditory Qualities and interaction.

[0307] - Wireless and wired data transfer between Sources.

[0308] Thus the apparatus, methods, Strategies, and / or systems described herein operates the System of Technologies in a synergistic manner utilising the following factors:

[0309] - Existing centralised heating systems provide a baseline or set-back air- conditioned temperature, whilst the invention provides top up comfort (Figure 10A). If Application Programming Interface (API) capabilities exist, then the invention automates the control of Qualities (Figure 9A) without the User needing to control separate Technologies.

[0310] - If the invention is the only form of heating, then it operates accordingly. The performance of the invention is optimised with the Modular fan system for delaminating and distributing air (Figures 18 and 3).

[0311] - A similar relationship may be established with existing smart lighting systems that have API capabilities.

[0312] A User Interface to the Device(s) may be included in the system or apparatus of the invention, and / or used in the context of a method of the invention, and the user interface may comprise one or more of:

[0313] - A visual element with light Qualities

[0314] - A tactile element with thermal Qualities

[0315] - An acoustic element with sound Qualities

[0316] - Sensor, communication, and control capabilities

[0317] The portable User Interface is another means for the System to deploy most effectively the Strategies that Establish, Reinforce, and Enhance synergistic perceptions of comfort by allowing: - The User to input requirements (Agency) (Figures 11 and 11-16 and 18).

[0318] - The User to experience system response and enhance cross-sensory correspondence (such as Anchoring, Contrast, and / or Congruence) (Figures 11-18). - Feedback between User and System (Figures 9A and 11 ) thus allowing machine reinforcement learning by the System to optimise the deployment of Strategies.

[0319] - For time and location-based interaction where needed (Figure 9B).

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 1 1 February 2025 (1 1 .02.2025)1. A system for conditioning a person, surface, and / or volume comprising: a) a processor arranged in used to determine the PCRP of an occupant of the volume with respect to the temperature of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume; b) one or more light sources selected from a warm-congruent hue light source, a neutral light source, and / or a cool-congruent hue light source2. A system according to claim 1 , for carrying out the method of any of claims 27 to 49.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a modulatable light emitter.

4. A system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor is a parallel processor.

5. A system according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the intensity, hue, saturation, and / or luminosity of the light source is modulated.

6. A system according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light source emission spectrum is modulated, preferably the light source spectrum is selected from one or more of: warm-congruent / cool-incongruent (e.g. 1800 K), Neutral (e.g. 4000 K); and warm-incongruent / cool-congruent (e.g. 6500 K).

7. A system according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the light source may be of any Hue, Saturation, and / or Luminosity (HSL).

8. A system according to any of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a temperature sensor.

9. A system according to any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an infra-red heat emitter.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the heat emitter produces infrared wavelengths selected from: near infrared (e.g. high-intensity) wavelengths; or far infrared (e.g. low-intensity) wavelengths.11 . A system according any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the PCRP of an occupant of the volume is determined with respect to the temperature.

12. A system according claim 11 , wherein the PCRP of an occupant of the volume is determined with respect to the operative temperature.

13. A system according to any of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a hygrometer.50AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)14. A system according any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the PCRP of an occupant of the volume is determined with respect to the humidity, preferably relative humidity.

15. A system according to any of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a carbon dioxide sensor.

16. A system according any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the PCRP and / or presence of an occupant of the volume is determined with respect to the carbon dioxide level.

17. A system according any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the PCRP of an occupant of the volume is determined with respect to the ventilation level (air velocity).

18. A system according to any of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a motion sensor.

19. A system according to any of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a microphone.

20. A system according to any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the light and / or heat emitters are arranged in a toroidal configuration.

21. A system according to claim 20, wherein the toroid has a curved edge, preferably a curved outer edge.

22. A system according to any of claims 1 to 21 , wherein the system is modular and comprises one or more light emitter modules and / or one or more heat emitter modules.

23. A system according to any of claims 1 to 22, wherein the system comprises a fan.

24. A system according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein the system comprises an acoustic sound emitter.

25. A system according to any of claims 1 to 24, wherein the system is for mounting on surface.

26. A system according to claim 25, wherein the surface is a ceiling or a wall.

27. A method for conditioning the temperature of a volume, comprising the steps of: a) determining the temperature of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume; b) determining the PCRP of an occupant of the volume with respect to the temperature of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume; and c) illuminating all, part, or subsection of the volume according to one or more of options selected from (i)-(iii):51AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)i. light of a warm-congruent hue if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or parts or subsection thereof, is perceived as substantially too cool; ii. light of a neutral hue if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or parts or subsection thereof, is perceived as substantially comfortable; iii. light of a cool-congruent hue if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or parts or subsection thereof, is perceived as substantially too cool;28. A method according to claim 27, wherein the PCRP of an occupant of the volume is determined with respect to the operative temperature.

29. A method according to claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the PCRP of an occupant of the volume is determined with respect to temperature.

30. A method according to any of claims 27 to 29, wherein the PCRP of an occupant of the volume is determined with respect to rate of change of temperature.

31. A method according to any of claims 27 to 30, wherein the method comprises the additional steps of: a) Assessing the extent of conditioning the temperature of the volume. b) illuminating all, part, or subsection of the volume if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or part or subsection thereof, is perceived as under-conditioned.

32. A method according to any of claims 27 to 31 , wherein the method comprises an additional steps selected from: a) a light of less luminosity and / or lower colour saturation if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or part or subsection thereof, is perceived as marginally under-conditioned; or b) a greater luminosity and / or greater colour saturation if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or part or subsection thereof, is perceived as severely under-conditioned.

33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the luminosity and / or colour saturation level are a point in a range of luminosity and / or colour saturation, and wherein the point is dependent on the level of radiant flux.

34. A method according to claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the luminosity and / or colour saturation are a point in a range of luminosity and / or colour saturation, and wherein the point is proportional to the level of ventilated air velocity.

35. A method according to claim 27 to 34, comprising illuminating all, part, or subsection of the volume with two or more light sources, wherein the light sources are of differing Hue, Saturation, and or Luminosity (HSL), and wherein52AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)the method comprises the additional step of modulating the PCRP of an occupant, preferably to counter the Troxler effect.

36. A method according to claim 37 to 35, comprising the additional steps of: a) modulating the Hue, Saturation, and or Luminosity (HSL) of a light source over a defined time period; and b) modulating the PCRP of an occupant, preferably by indicating a faster or slower change of state according to the length of the defined time period for the conditioned volume, or part, or subsection thereof.

37. A method according to claim 36 wherein the defined time period is selected from a range of: a) 1 to 5 seconds b) 1 to 60 seconds c) 1 to 10 minutes38. A method according to claim 27 or claim 37, comprising the additional steps of: a) modulating the Hue, Saturation, and or Luminosity (HSL) of a light source over a longer time period; b) modulating the Hue, Saturation, and or Luminosity (HSL) of a light source over a shorter time period (relative to the longer time period); andC) modulating the PCRP of an occupant, wherein the additional steps are preferably to re-frame the perceived State of the conditioned volume before indicating a change of state, most preferably to counter the T roxler effect.

39. A method according to any of claims 37 to 38, wherein the method is computer implemented.

40. A method according to claim 27 to 39, wherein the method additionally comprises the step of mixing the air of the volume, preferably using a fan.

41. A method according to any of claims 27 to 40, wherein determining the temperature of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume comprises the step of measuring the temperature or volume, part, and / or subsection thereof.

42. A method according to any of claims 37 to 41 , wherein the method comprises the step of heating all, part, or subsection of the volume if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or parts or subsection thereof, is perceived as substantially excessively cool.53AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)43. A method according to any of claims 27 to 41 , wherein the method comprises the step of cooling all, part, or subsection of the volume if the PCRP indicates that the volume, or parts or subsection thereof, is perceived as substantially excessively warm.

44. A method according to any of claims 27 to 43, wherein the method comprises the step of obtaining a value of the desired comfort level of an occupant of the volume and determining the PCRP of an occupant of the volume with respect to this desired comfort level.

45. A method according to any of claims 27 to 44, wherein the method comprises the step of determining of the PCRP by predicting the PCRP of an occupant of the volume with respect to the temperature of all, part, and / or subsection of the volume.

46. A method according to claim 45, wherein the prediction of the PCRP is determined by an artificial intelligence algorithm.

47. A method according to any of claims 27 to 45, wherein the method comprises the step of determining the occupant’s PCRP with reference to their personal preference with respect to the conditioned State of the volume.

48. A method according to any of claims 27 to 47, wherein the method comprises the step of recalculating the PCRP at a frequency of 30 minutes or less, preferably 20 minutes or less, most preferably, 10 minutes or less.

49. A method according to any of claims 27 to 48, wherein the method comprises modulateable emissions of infra-red wavelength energy into all or a part of the volume, preferably the infrared wavelengths are selected from: near infrared (e.g. high-intensity) wavelengths; oorr far infrared (e.g. low-intensity) wavelengths.

50. A processor arranged in use to use an artificial intelligence algorithm for predicting or determining the PCRP of an occupant of a defined volume.54AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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