Adaptive Alertness Lighting Under Fluctuating Ambient Light
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for maintaining alertness in drivers, such as coffee, energy drinks, or temperature adjustments, are inefficient and not always compatible with driving safety, and lack long-term effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an optical generator to produce stimulating light, controlled by an ambient light sensor and controller, to adjust light irradiance based on ambient light conditions, optimizing light parameters to stimulate the suprachiasmatic nuclei and maintain alertness without dazzling the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stimulating light irradiance is increased to maintain alertness, then alertness stimulation effectiveness is improved, but risk of dazzling the driver increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the stimulating light irradiance in real-time based on ambient light conditions detected by the sensor. The controller modulates the light output to maintain optimal alertness stimulation while preventing dazzling, transitioning from static to dynamic control to resolve the contradiction between effectiveness and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the ambient light sensor continuously monitors environmental light levels and feeds this information to the controller. The controller then adjusts the stimulating light irradiance accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically balances alertness stimulation effectiveness with driver safety.
2Reliability
If stimulating light is provided in low ambient light conditions, then alertness stimulation is improved, but driver visibility and safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the light irradiance parameter dynamically based on ambient light conditions. In low ambient light, the stimulating light irradiance is increased to maintain alertness effectiveness, while in high ambient light, the irradiance is reduced to prevent visibility compromise and dazzling, thus adapting parameters to environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static light output to dynamic adjustment of light parameters based on real-time ambient light sensing. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize alertness stimulation in low light while automatically reducing output in bright conditions to maintain driver visibility and safety.
3Duration of action of moving object
If conventional alertness methods (coffee, energy drinks, temperature adjustment) are used, then alertness may be temporarily improved, but long-term effectiveness and safety compatibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces conventional mechanical/chemical alertness methods (coffee, energy drinks, temperature adjustment) with an optical stimulation system. This substitution provides a non-invasive, controllable, and safe alternative that can be precisely regulated to maintain alertness without the side effects or safety concerns of conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-regulating alertness stimulation by automatically sensing ambient light conditions and adjusting output accordingly. Unlike conventional methods that require manual intervention and have unpredictable effects, this system autonomously maintains optimal alertness stimulation while ensuring safety compatibility through real-time environmental adaptation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively maintains driver alertness by adjusting light intensity and spectrum in real-time, reducing the risk of drowsiness and improving safety by ensuring the light does not exceed ambient light levels, thus providing a safer and more sustainable alertness solution.
Implementation Method 1
an ambient light sensor configured to monitor the ambient light illuminance within said environment in real-time
Implementation Method 2
an optical generator comprising: one or more light sources configured to collectively generate a stimulating light having a stimulating light irradiance
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for stimulating alertness in a subject within an environment exposed to an ambient light having a fluctuating ambient light illuminance. The system comprises an optical generator with a light source configured to generate a stimulating light having a stimulating light irradiance; and a driver coupled to the light source for controlling the stimulating light irradiance; an ambient light sensor configured to monitor the ambient light illuminance in real-time; and a controller operatively coupled to the optical generator and to the ambient light sensor to control the stimulating light irradiance in response to the ambient light illuminance monitored by the ambient light sensor, the controlling comprising capping the stimulating light irradiance to a maximal irradiance value based on the monitored ambient light illuminance. The present invention also relates to a method for stimulating alertness in a subject.