Adaptive Lighting System for Circadian Rhythm Stimulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems do not effectively stimulate a user's energy, particularly in enhancing the circadian rhythm, which is crucial for individuals with irregular sleep schedules or those struggling to wake up early.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system that includes a control unit to emit bluish wake-up light within specific wavelength ranges (390nm-470nm) and gradually tunes it towards daytime-like white light, using various light sources such as LEDs, fluorescent lighting, or halogen lamps, and can be activated by a timer or sensor to simulate natural light effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lighting systems are used, then basic illumination is provided, but the user's circadian rhythm is not effectively stimulated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircadian rhythm stimulation effectivenessVSAvoidlight wavelength and intensity adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system dynamically adjusts the spectral composition and intensity of light over time, transitioning from bluish wake-up light to daytime-like white light and finally to dusk-like light. This dynamic adaptation enables effective circadian rhythm stimulation by matching natural light patterns throughout the day, resolving the contradiction between reliable circadian stimulation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters including correlated color temperature (CCT) from 10000K down to 2000K, and luminous intensity over time. These parameter changes allow the lighting system to effectively stimulate circadian rhythm at different stages, transforming conventional static lighting into adaptive circadian-responsive lighting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If bluish wake-up light is emitted to stimulate energy, then circadian rhythm is enhanced, but the light may shock a half-asleep user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy stimulation effectivenessVSAvoidlight shock to user
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary action by gradually increasing light intensity and adjusting spectral composition before full illumination is needed. The bluish wake-up light is introduced at low intensity and gradually tuned toward daytime-like white light, preparing the user's visual system and preventing light shock while still providing circadian stimulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual control is required for lighting adjustment, then user preference can be accommodated, but operation becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser preference adaptationVSAvoidlighting control simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system performs self-service by automatically detecting user presence and initiating the appropriate lighting sequence without manual intervention. The control unit autonomously manages the transition through different lighting phases (bluish wake-up, daytime-like, dusk-like), eliminating complex user operations while maintaining adaptability to user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms including presence detection sensors and timer-based control that automatically adjust lighting parameters based on detected conditions. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to user presence and timing preferences without requiring complex manual control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enhances the user's physical and mental state by improving circadian rhythm, providing a natural light effect that helps users wake up more refreshed and relaxed, especially beneficial for those with irregular sleep patterns or depression.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light source... bluish light has a wavelength range of 390nm-470nm, e.g. 410nm-450nm, 415-425nm, or 419nm-421nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

tuning the bluish light towards a daytime-like white light... tuning the bluish light towards the daytime-like white light over a given period of time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColor temperature adjustment:

Data Source

PatentEP2117648B1Lighting system for energy stimulation
Publication Date: 2015.08.26 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2117648B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2117648B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to a lighting system for stimulating a user's energy by emitting bluish wake-up light and tuning the bluish light towards a daytime-like white light.