Melanopic Light System With Periodic Pulses for Sleep Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices do not effectively support the natural circadian rhythm by suppressing melatonin production in the evening, as they either reduce illuminance levels or shift to low correlated color temperature (CCT) values, which may not adequately address the impact on melanopsin stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A light generating system that alternates between two distinct spectral power distributions and radiant fluxes in different time periods, including a brief, high-intensity light pulse before sleep to counter-intuitively reduce melatonin suppression by stimulating melanopsin into a silent state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If illuminance level is reduced to suppress melatonin production, then melatonin suppression is improved, but lighting functionality and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a pulsing mechanism that cycles between high-intensity light pulses and dark periods. The light source emits brief high-intensity pulses (e.g., 1 second duration) followed by darkness, repeating this cycle throughout the evening. This periodic illumination pattern suppresses melatonin production through the melanopic effect while maintaining user comfort during active periods, resolving the contradiction between illuminance reduction and melatonin suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of light emission by switching between two distinct states: high-intensity pulsed illumination and complete darkness. The control system adjusts the timing, duration, and intensity of light pulses dynamically throughout the evening, optimizing the balance between melatonin suppression and maintaining adequate lighting for user activities. This parameter modulation allows the system to achieve both goals simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If light intensity is increased to suppress melatonin production, then melatonin suppression is improved, but user comfort and sleep preparation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsing with brief high-intensity light bursts separated by dark periods. This temporal separation allows the high intensity to effectively stimulate melanopsin for melatonin suppression while the dark intervals provide relief, preventing user discomfort from continuous bright light. The rhythm of light and dark cycles optimizes both physiological effect and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts its output based on the time of day and user needs. The control system modulates the timing, duration, and intensity of light pulses in real-time, adapting the illumination pattern to optimize both melatonin suppression effectiveness and user comfort. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to respond to changing circadian rhythms and user activities.
3Ease of operation
If continuous light is provided to maintain user comfort, then user comfort is improved, but melatonin production is suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic illumination cycles where the light source alternates between high-intensity pulses and darkness. This rhythmic pattern provides adequate lighting for user comfort during active periods while creating dark intervals that allow natural melatonin production. The continuous cycling throughout the evening maintains both comfort and hormonal regulation without requiring continuous light exposure.
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 circadian rhythm by providing a booster light pulse that effectively prepares the body for sleep without significantly reducing illuminance, thereby improving the sleep preparation routine.
Implementation Method 1
a light generating system comprising one or more light generating devices, wherein each of the one or more light generating devices are configured to generate device light
Implementation Method 2
The mechanism underlying the suppression of melatonin may start with the absorption of light in the melanopsin photopigment, present in a small percentage of retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a light generating system (1000) comprising one or more light generating devices (100), wherein each of the one or more light generating devices (100) are configured to generate device light (101), wherein the light generating system (1000) is configured to generate system light (1001) comprising the device light (101) of at least one light generating device (100), wherein the light generating system (1000) is configured to provide (in an operational mode) system light (1001) according to the following characteristics: (A) during a first time period t1 the system light (1001) is white light having a radiant flux Φ11 in a first wavelength range and a radiant flux Φ12 in a second wavelength range; (B) during a second time period t2 the system light (1001) is light having a radiant flux Φ21 in the first wavelength range and a radiant flux Φ22 in the second wavelength range; (C) during a third time period t3 the system light (1001) is light having a radiant flux Φ31 in the first wavelength range and a radiant flux Φ32 in the second wavelength range; (D) Φ21<Φ11 and Φ31<Φ11; (E) Φ22>Φ12, and Φ32<Φ12; (F) t2 is selected from the range of 1 second-30 minutes; and t1>t2; and (G) the first wavelength range is 380 nm-λ1 and the second wavelength range is λ1-780 nm, wherein λ1 is selected from the range of 485-550 nm.