Dynamic UVB Spectral Control for Daytime Vitamin D Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial lighting systems provide a static UV spectrum, which results in a relatively static activation of photoreceptors, leading to insufficient vitamin D synthesis and potential deficiencies, especially at high latitudes, as they do not mimic the dynamic spectral changes of natural sunlight throughout the day.
Innovation Solution
A light generating system comprising a first light generating device configured to produce UVB light in a wavelength range of 280-320 nm with controllable wavelength-dependent radiant flux, controlled by a system to mimic natural sunlight's spectral changes over the day, adjusting the radiant flux in different wavelength subranges based on time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If artificial lighting systems provide a static UV spectrum, then the lighting system is simple and easy to operate, but vitamin D synthesis is insufficient and photoreceptor activation is static
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static UV spectrum to a dynamically adjustable spectrum that changes over time. The lighting system modifies its spectral output to mimic natural sunlight variations throughout the day, thereby enhancing vitamin D synthesis while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the spectral composition and intensity of UV light over time. The system varies parameters such as wavelength distribution and radiant flux to replicate natural sunlight patterns, improving vitamin D synthesis without complicating user operation.
2Device complexity
If artificial lighting systems provide a static UV spectrum, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot mimic natural sunlight's spectral changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic spectral adjustment capabilities while maintaining relatively simple device architecture. The lighting device can modify its UV spectrum over time to match natural sunlight variations, enhancing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical or structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes in the spectral output of the lighting system. By dynamically adjusting wavelength distribution and intensity parameters, the system adapts to different times of day and seasonal variations, mimicking natural sunlight without substantially increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If artificial lighting systems use a single static spectrum, then the system is simple to control, but photoreceptor activation is insufficient and biological processes are not optimally stimulated
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts its spectral output to optimize photoreceptor activation throughout the day. By varying the UV spectrum to match natural sunlight patterns, the system enhances biological process stimulation while maintaining ease of operation through automated temporal programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by programming the lighting system to cycle through different spectral configurations that mirror daily and seasonal sunlight variations. This periodic adjustment optimizes photoreceptor activation and vitamin D synthesis while requiring minimal user intervention.
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 dynamically stimulates photoreceptors to enhance vitamin D synthesis by mimicking natural sunlight, providing the right vitamin D metabolites at the right time, thereby addressing vitamin D deficiencies and promoting biological processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first light generating device configured to generate first device light, especially wherein the first device light comprises light having one or more wavelengths in a first wavelength range of 280-320 nm
Implementation Method 2
the control system is configured to control the wavelength dependent radiant flux of the first device light dynamically as a function of time
Implementation Method 3
Photo-receptors may (at least partially) regulate biological processes in the human body as a function of wavelengths of light they are exposed to. The production of vitamin D in the human body may depend on absorption of UVB by the skin.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
The invention provides a light generating system (1000) comprising (a) first light generating device (110) and (b) a control system (300), wherein: the first light generating device (110) is configured to generate first device light (111), wherein the first device light (111) comprises light having one or more wavelengths in a first wavelength range of 280-320 nm, wherein the first wavelength range comprises a lower subrange from λ11 to λ12 and a higher subrange from λ21 to λ22, wherein 280 nm ≤λ11<λ12≤λ21<λ22≤ 320 nm, and wherein λ12 and λ21 are selected from the wavelength range of 290-315 nm, wherein a wavelength dependent radiant flux of the first device light (111) is controllable; the light generating system (1000) is configured to generate system light (1001) comprising at least part of the first device light (111); the control system (300) is configured to control the wavelength dependent radiant flux of the first device light (111) as a function of time, wherein the light generating system (1000) is configured to provide the first device light (111) at a first time t1, at a second time t2, and at a third time t3; wherein the second time t2 is temporally arranged after the first time t1, and the third time t3 is temporally arranged after the second time t2; and wherein the first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3 are temporally arranged in a single day; wherein relative to a total radiant flux in the first wavelength range the radiant flux of the first device light (111) in the lower subrange is relatively lower at the first time t1 than at the second time t2, and wherein relative to the total radiant flux in the first wavelength range the radiant flux of the first device light (111) in the higher subrange is relatively higher at the first time t1 than at the second time t2; and/or wherein relative to the total radiant flux in the first wavelength range the radiant flux of the first device light (111) in the lower subrange is relatively higher at the second time t2 than at the third time t3, and wherein relative to the total radiant flux in the first wavelength range the radiant flux of the first device light (111) in the higher subrange is relatively lower at the second time t2 than at the third time t3.