Peripheral Lighting Columns for Motion Sickness Inhibition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing motion sickness, such as anti-kinetosis devices, often fail to effectively address the discrepancy between visual and balance perceptions by targeting the central visual field, leading to inefficiency and increased fatigue, and are limited in their ability to accommodate various movements like rolling and pitching.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing vertically-oriented lighting columns positioned in the peripheral vision, controlled by sensors to create an artificial horizon that inversely matches the roll and pitch angles of the enclosed space, thereby providing a consistent reference point that aligns with the inner ear's perception without obstructing the primary field of focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual balancing devices target the central visual field, then they can provide clear reference information, but they obstruct the viewer's voluntary focus field and cause increased fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The visual field is segmented into central and peripheral zones. The patent places lighting columns exclusively in the peripheral visual field, separating the reference information delivery function from the central voluntary focus area. This allows reference information to be provided without obstructing the viewer's primary field of focus, resolving the contradiction between information delivery and viewer comfort.
2Loss of information
If complex images or LED matrices are used to create artificial horizons, then comprehensive motion reference information is provided, but the system complexity and visual obstruction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential element needed for motion reference - vertical lighting columns indicating horizon position - and removes all unnecessary complexity. Instead of using complex LED matrices or multiple display portions, the invention uses simple vertically-oriented lighting columns that provide sufficient reference information with minimal device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than placing complex visual displays in the central field and trying to minimize obstruction, the patent inverts the approach by placing simple lighting columns in the peripheral field where they are naturally less obstructive. This inversion of position and complexity distribution resolves the contradiction between information provision and system simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If lighting elements are positioned to define horizon angles, then motion sickness is inhibited, but the system must accurately track and respond to roll and pitch movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously detect the enclosed space's orientation, the controller processes this information to determine roll and pitch angles, and the lighting columns are dynamically positioned to compensate for these angles. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables accurate tracking of movements and appropriate response to inhibit motion sickness.
Data Source
AI summary
At least two vertically-oriented lighting columns are respectively arranged on opposite lateral sides of a space that is at least partially enclosed, so as to be perceptible within a viewer's peripheral vision without obstructing or otherwise interfering with the viewer's primary field of focus. The structure that encloses the space defines a horizontal reference. A sensor detects angular movement of the structure, such as roll and/or pitch, and a controller illuminates points on the first and second lighting columns to define an angle with respect to the horizontal reference, which varies inversely relative to the sensed angle of movement. A virtual horizon represented by the defined angle provides orientation for the viewer, to reduce the likelihood of motion sickness.