Circadian Rhythm Management Using Lambda Filters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illuminance measuring apparatuses fail to accurately measure bio illuminance values affecting human circadian rhythm due to reliance on visual sensitivity curves, which do not account for varying emission spectra of light sources, necessitating expensive reference spectrometers and limiting miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

A circadian rhythm management system using a circadian lambda filter and a visual lambda filter to measure bio illuminance by calculating a circadian action factor, allowing for miniaturization and cost-effective production, while considering bio data and environment data for personalized circadian rhythm reinforcement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a reference spectrometer is used to measure bio illuminance accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebio illuminance measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spectral measurement task into two parts: using inexpensive filters for broad wavelength band detection and computational algorithms for deriving bio illuminance. Instead of directly measuring the full spectrum with a complex spectrometer, the system divides the visible spectrum into multiple wavelength bands using simple optical filters, measures each band separately with basic photodetectors, and then computationally reconstructs the bio illuminance value. This segmentation enables accurate measurement without requiring a complete reference spectrometer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces computational algorithms as an intermediary between simple optical filter measurements and the final bio illuminance calculation. Rather than directly measuring all spectral components needed for bio illuminance, the system uses measured spectral data at selected wavelength points as intermediaries, then applies mathematical algorithms (including polynomial fitting and spectral reconstruction) to derive the complete bio illuminance value. This intermediary computational step bridges the gap between simple measurements and accurate bio illuminance assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a reference spectrometer is used to measure bio illuminance, then measurement precision is improved, but the apparatus cannot be miniaturized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebio illuminance measurement accuracyVSAvoidapparatus size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spectral measurement function across multiple simple photodetectors equipped with different wavelength-selective filters, rather than using a single bulky spectrometer. Each photodetector-filter combination is a compact module that can be arranged in a small array, collectively providing spectral information across the visible range. This segmented approach maintains measurement precision while enabling miniaturization, as the total volume of multiple small sensors is much less than a reference spectrometer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical complexity of a reference spectrometer (which typically involves moving parts, gratings, or prisms for spectral scanning) with a static array of photodetectors and filters combined with computational processing. Instead of mechanically scanning wavelengths, the system uses simultaneous multi-wavelength detection through parallel photodetector channels, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical spectral analysis components and enabling compact device design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If a reference spectrometer is used to obtain circadian action factor information, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircadian action factor measurement accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive reference spectrometer with inexpensive photodetector sensors and optical filters that can be manufactured at low cost using standard semiconductor and optical coating processes. These simple components have low manufacturing costs and can be produced in large quantities, making the overall system economically viable for mass deployment. The trade-off accepts slightly simplified hardware in exchange for dramatically reduced component costs while maintaining adequate measurement precision through computational compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes expensive specialized optical instrumentation (reference spectrometer) with standard, commercially available photodetector sensors and filters combined with software-based spectral analysis. By moving the complex spectral analysis function from hardware to software algorithms, the system eliminates the need for costly precision optical components and specialized measurement instruments, thereby significantly reducing bill of materials costs and manufacturing complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If visual illuminance measurement using visual sensitivity curve is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision of bio illuminance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveilluminance measuring apparatus simplicityVSAvoidbio illuminance measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spectral response into multiple wavelength bands using filters with different transmission characteristics, rather than relying on a single visual sensitivity curve response. By measuring light intensity through multiple wavelength-selective filters and combining these segmented measurements computationally, the system captures spectral information necessary for accurate bio illuminance calculation while keeping each individual sensor simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from simple total illuminance (single visual sensitivity response) to multi-wavelength spectral measurements. By introducing wavelength-dependent measurement parameters through multiple filters and photodetector channels, the system gathers sufficient spectral information to calculate circadian action factors and bio illuminance values, transforming a single-parameter measurement into a multi-parameter measurement system that maintains ease of manufacture while improving bio illuminance precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 accurately measures and reinforces circadian rhythm by calculating bio illuminance values using a circadian action factor, effectively addressing circadian rhythm disorders such as seasonal affective disorder and shift work-related health issues at a lower cost and in a more compact form.

Implementation Method 1

an illuminance measuring portion for measuring a bio illuminance value of external light using a circadian lambda filter which passes the external light along according to a circadian rhythm sensitivity curve and a visual lambda filter which passes the external light along according to a visual sensitivity curve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11305091B2Circadian rhythm management apparatus and system
Publication Date: 2022.04.19 KOOKMIN UNIV IND ACAD COOP FOUND
  • US11305091B2 patent drawing
  • US11305091B2 patent drawing
  • US11305091B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are an apparatus and a system for managing circadian rhythm. The apparatus includes an illuminance measuring portion which measures a bio illuminance value of external light using a circadian lambda filter which passes the external light along according to a circadian rhythm sensitivity curve and a visual lambda filter which passes the external light along according to a visual sensitivity curve, a controller which outputs a control signal for reinforcing a user's circadian rhythm on the basis of the bio illuminance value, and a circadian rhythm reinforcing portion which emits light of a circadian wavelength band toward the user according to the control signal.