Circadian Light Setting Control Within Light Source Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to adjust light exposure to achieve a theoretically desirable light dose for individuals due to limitations in light sources and individual activities, affecting circadian rhythm and well-being.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a light setting for a light source by aligning a target light profile with a light space, considering circadian stimulus and color temperature, and adjusting based on hardware and activity limitations to achieve an allowable light setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to provide different wavelengths, then the ability to treat different skin types and conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources of different wavelengths (e.g., 415nm, 480nm, 530nm, 630nm, 810nm) into a single illumination system that can be controlled together or individually. This merging approach provides the versatility to treat different skin types and conditions while managing device complexity through integrated control circuitry and a unified user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of multiple light sources based on detected skin type, condition, and user preferences. The control system enables flexible configuration where light sources can be activated individually or in combination, with adjustable intensities and durations, allowing the device to adapt to various treatment scenarios without requiring separate fixed-function devices.
2Reliability
If light sources operate continuously, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic illumination cycles with defined treatment phases and intervals. The light sources operate in controlled bursts rather than continuously, with treatment duration and interval parameters that can be adjusted based on skin type and condition. This periodic operation maintains treatment effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls light source operation based on real-time feedback from skin analysis and treatment progress. The control circuitry adjusts illumination timing, duration, and intensity to optimize treatment effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption, allowing the device to adapt the duty cycle of light sources to match actual treatment needs rather than operating at fixed continuous levels.
3Measurement precision
If environmental light is blocked to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting environmental light conditions before skin analysis and actively compensating for their effect. The system measures ambient light levels and uses this information to adjust the illumination strategy and analysis algorithm, thereby neutralizing the interfering effect of environmental light without requiring complete isolation or complex physical shielding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from environmental light detection to dynamically adjust the skin analysis process. The sensor detects ambient light conditions, and the control system uses this feedback to modify illumination timing, intensity, or spectral composition, and to adjust analysis parameters, thereby maintaining measurement precision in varying environmental conditions without adding substantial physical complexity.
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
Enhances alignment of actual light exposure with a target profile, positively stimulating the circadian rhythm and improving well-being by optimizing light settings despite hardware and activity constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit light at a first wavelength and a second wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a sensor to detect the skin type of an individual and a condition of skin of the individual
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (300) for determining a light setting of a light source configured to illuminate an individual, wherein the light setting of the light source comprises information about a circadian stimulus and a color temperature of light emitted by the light source. The method (300) comprising: determining (S302) a target light setting of the light source based on a target light profile of the individual comprising time- resolved information about circadian stimuli and color temperatures of light that the individual is to be exposed to, and an actual light profile of the individual comprising information about circadian stimuli and color temperatures of light the individual has been exposed to, wherein the target light setting comprises information about a circadian stimulus and a color temperature of light to be emitted by the light source and is determined such that the actual light profile and the target light profile are aligned over time; comparing (S304) the target light setting with a light space, wherein the light space is a range of circadian stimuli and a range of color temperatures of light that the light source can emit; in response to the target light setting being within the light space: setting (S306) the target light setting as the light setting of the light source; and in response to the target light setting being outside the light space: determining (S308) an allowable light setting based on the target light setting and the light space, such that the allowable light setting is within the light space, and setting (S310) the allowable light setting as the light setting of the light source.