DEVICE TO MONITOR LIGHT EXPOSURE TO ASSIST SLEEPLESSNESS THERAPY

A light monitoring device for treating sleeplessness includes a housing and a light sensing and evaluation system. The light sensing and evaluation system includes a light sensor unit, light measure circuitry measuring light of specific frequencies and intensities, and programmable light evaluation circuitry analyzing the light spectrum exposure for the user based upon measurements made by the light measurement device. The programmable light evaluation circuitry determines when predetermined thresholds relating to exposure of the user to specific light frequencies and intensities are reached. The light monitoring device also includes a warning system providing the user with a warning when the predetermined thresholds are reached and a data storage device storing data generated by the light sensing and evaluation system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference toFIGS. 1,2and3, a wearable light monitoring device10for treating sleeplessness in a human by measuring and evaluating exposure to light is disclosed. In particular, a light monitoring device10shaped and dimensioned to be worn by a user measures and evaluates light of specific frequencies and intensities during the waking hours by tracking the light spectrum exposure for the wearer (that is, the user) of the light monitoring device10. Once predetermined thresholds are reached, the light monitoring device10warns the wearer that the predetermined levels have been reached thereby allowing the wearer to make any changes necessary to prevent sleeplessness.

As is explained below in greater detail, and as shown in the schematic ofFIG. 1and the rear perspective view ofFIG. 3, the light monitoring device10includes a built in fastener12allowing for selective and convenient attachment to an article of clothing worn by the wearer. The data generated by the light monitoring device10can either be monitored in real time or downloaded through a self contained wireless data link to reveal a complete light exposure pattern and histogram. As such, the light monitoring device10may be employed in conjunction with a monitoring system100generally composed of the light monitoring device10, a mobile base unit14, a remote host computer16, a remote website portal18and/or a mobile computing device57.

As explained above, predetermined warning levels trigger warnings to the wearer. These trigger levels can be incorporated within the application software20of the light monitoring device10when certain levels are exceeded, the trigger levels may be incorporated within the analysis software22of the remote host computer16, or the trigger levels may be incorporated within application software59of the mobile computing device57. The application software20on the light monitoring device10, the analysis software22of the remote host computer16, or the application software59of the mobile computing device57can be personalized to the wearer's individual needs.

The light monitoring device10further includes a data management system24that contains a light sensing and evaluation system26, a warning system40, and a data storage device42operating under the control of a microprocessor28, as well as support hardware. These components are built into a circuit board30(that is, the components are implemented in the form of a circuit board) forming an integral part of the light monitoring device10. As it is desirable for the present light monitoring device10to link with remote systems for either data processing or additional data storage, the light monitoring device10is further provided with a transceiver56for wireless communication with the remote systems as described herein in greater detail. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the transceiver56utilizes industry standard technologies, for example, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocols, for the wireless transmission of data.

With the foregoing in mind, and with reference toFIGS. 1,2and3, the light monitoring device10for treating sleeplessness is disclosed herein. The light monitoring device10includes a housing32having a fastener12for attachment to a wearer. A plurality of functional components are supported by and integrated within the housing32. These functional components include a light sensing and evaluation system26composed of a light sensor unit34, light measuring circuitry36measuring light of specific frequencies and intensities, programmable light evaluation circuitry38analyzing the light spectrum exposure for the wearer based upon the raw measurements made by the light measuring circuitry36. The functional components also include a warning system40providing the wearer with a warning when the predetermined thresholds are reached, and a data (or memory) storage device42storing data generated by the light measuring circuitry36and the programmable light evaluation circuitry38.

The housing32is conventional in structure and includes walls44housing the functional components making up the present light monitoring device10. These walls44include apertures through which various components extend for exposure to the external environment. For example, a light aperture46is provided through which the light sensor unit34of the light sensing and evaluation system26extends for receiving the light spectrum monitored in accordance with the present invention. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, and as will be explained below in greater detail, warnings and alerts are provided via the display. However, it is appreciated warning lights may be integrated into the housing where such lights would add convenience and functionality to the light monitoring device.

As mentioned above, the housing32is provided with a fastener12for selective attachment to a wearer. The fastener12is provided with a switch48(in the form of a latch) linked to the data management system24of the light monitoring device10for automatically providing an indication that the light monitoring device10has been attached to/detached from the wearer. For example, when the light monitoring device10is attached to the wearer, and the fastener12is engaged with the switch48(that is, a latch) it is automatically activated and begins the process of measuring and analyzing the light to which the wearer is exposed. Similarly, the interaction between the fastener12and switch48identifies when the light monitoring device10has been removed and shuts down operations.

It accordance with a preferred embodiment, the fastener12may take the form of a pin clip for convenient and selective attachment to clothing worn by the wearer. It is, however, appreciated the fastener12may take a variety of forms depending upon the specific manner in which the user wishes to secure the housing32to his/her clothing or body.

Considering the various possible ways in which it may be desirable for the wearer to secure or carry the present light monitoring device10, it is appreciated the housing32may take a variety of forms. With this in mind, it is appreciated that the light sensor unit should be positioned and oriented so as to have about the same exposure to light as the wearers' eyes. As such, the present light monitoring device10is designed for positioning somewhere on the front side of the upper body. For example, the housing32may take the form of a wearable button (as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3), customary necklaces with a pendant, a lapel pin, a brooch etc. and may be constructed of plastic, titanium or other lightweight materials. It is contemplated the housing32may be round in nature with a diameter of approximately 1.5 to 2 inches, and a thickness of approximately ¼ inch.

The various functional components making up the light monitoring device10(that is, the light sensor unit34, the light measuring circuitry36, the programmable light evaluation circuitry38, the warning system40, and the data storage device42and the microprocessor28, which define a data management system24) are preferably integrated into a printed circuit board30which is mounted within the housing32. As such, the light sensor unit34, the light measuring circuitry36, the programmable light evaluation circuitry38and the warning system40are housed within the housing32and constructed in a convenient one-piece manner.

The light sensor unit34is full spectrum RGB light sensor. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the light sensor unit and the light measuring circuitry may be purchased from existing vendors. For example, the HDJD-S822 Color Sensor manufactured by Avago Technologies may be used. The HDJD-S822 is a high performance, small in size, cost effective light to voltage converting sensor. The sensor combines a photodiode array (that is, the light sensor unit) and three transimpedance amplifiers in a single monolithic CMOS IC solution. With Red (R), Green (G) and Blue (B) color filters coated over the photodiode array, the sensor converts RGB light to analog voltage outputs, denoted by VROUT, VGOUT and VBOUT, respectively. The sensor is packaged in a 5×5×0.75 mm surface mount QFN-16 package. The HDJD-S822 Color Sensor converts light to R, G, B voltage output; includes a monolithic CMOS IC solution comprises of an array of photodiode coated with R, G, B color filter and integrated with trans-impedance amplifier; includes independent gain selection options for each R, G, B channel; and includes uniform photodiode array design to minimize the effect of contamination and optical aperture misalignment.

It is also appreciated the ADJD-S311-CR999 Color Sensor manufactured by Avago Technologies may be used. The ADJD-S311-CR999 Color Sensor offers the advantage of providing customized programming that would allow the ADJD-S311-CR999 Color Sensor to function as the complete light monitoring device10and thereby providing the functionality of the light sensor unit34, the light measuring circuitry36, the programmable light evaluation circuitry38.

Regardless of the light sensing and evaluation system26employed, the light sensor unit34is integrated with a light measuring circuitry36. The light measuring circuitry36gathers data regarding the specific intensities and wavelengths of light to which the wearer is exposed. As such, the light measuring circuitry36includes a light frequency filter and intensity monitor to determine the frequencies and intensity of the light to which the wearer is exposed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light measuring circuitry36includes a three channel sensor array that captures Red, Blue and Green light differences along with light intensity.

The data generated by the light measuring circuitry36is employed by the programmable light evaluation circuitry38. That is, the raw data generated by the light measuring circuitry36enumerates raw data into machine ready data that is used for processing in accordance with the present invention and/or sent to a data storage device42. The raw data processed by the programmable light evaluation circuitry38is time stamped and is stored to the data storage device42in a timed fashion or when predefined changes to the values from the light sensor are achieved.

Specifically, the programmable light evaluation circuitry38analyzes the light spectrum exposure (that is, the specific light frequencies and intensities to which the wearer is exposed) for the wearer based upon the measurements made by the light measuring circuitry36. The programmable light evaluation circuitry38ultimately determines when predetermined thresholds relating to exposure of the wearer to specific light frequencies and intensities are reached.

It is appreciated different users will likely have different response characteristics to light and the light sensing and evaluation system26, in particular, the programmable light evaluation circuitry38, is provided with a graphical user interface50allowing for adjustment to the predetermined thresholds used in determining when warnings should be provided to the user. That is, the programmable light evaluation circuitry38is programmable so as to allow for adjustment of the predetermined thresholds to suit specific users. With this in mind, and considering the various other control options contemplated in accordance with the present light monitoring device10, the device10is provided with a display52and interface buttons54for visualization of the graphical user interface50, as well as other display functions. The display52and buttons54are implemented using various menu screens to control, modify and otherwise utilize the present sleep monitoring system100. It is further contemplated interfacing with the present light monitoring device10may be achieved using touch screen functionality integrating the display52with menus allowing for touch activation. It is appreciated the specifics of the graphical user interface50employed in accordance with the present invention will follow industry standard programming rules and interfaces, like drop down menus, sliders, radio buttons, or other on screen buttons. As it is desired to minimize the energy needs of the present light monitoring device10, the screen of any display employed will be a persistent low voltage low power screen. Still further, the display52provides visual feedback in conjunction with the warning system40, which may be a happy or sad type facial expression to indicate levels of blue light exposure historically captured throughout the day.

The light monitoring device10is capable of providing real-time analysis of the light spectrum and intensity to which the wearer has been exposed. Similarly, the light monitoring device10, either by itself or in conjunction with the mobile base unit14and the remote host computer16, may store data for subsequent analysis of data and generation of information relating to the wearer's exposure. With this in mind, a mobile base unit14is provided in conjunction with the light monitoring device10for the receipt of data from the light monitoring device10. The mobile base unit14is coupled, for example, via a USB connection, to a remote host computer16containing analysis software22that is considered too extensive for integration on the light monitoring device10itself. Evaluation data generated by the remote host computer16may then be reviewed on the display of the remote host computer16or it may be transmitted back to the light monitoring device10for alerting the wearer as deemed appropriate. As is discussed below, access to the data generated by the remote host computer16and/or the light monitoring device10may also be achieved via mobile computing devices (for example, smart phones, cell phones, tablets, etc.)57or a remote website portal18using the Internet.

In fact, and considering the transceiver56employed by the light monitoring device10, it is preferred that the light monitoring device10will be continuously linked to a smartphone/cell phone57carried by the user for expansion of the capabilities offered in accordance with the present invention. With this in mind, the present invention provides a real-time monitoring and feedback option by integrating the light monitoring device10with an “app” (that is, the previously mentioned software application59) running on a mobile computing device57(for example, a tablet computing device, smartphone, cell phone, etc.) that signals the light monitoring device10to start streaming data to the mobile computing device57in real time in order for the mobile app59to display directly, on the display61of the mobile computing device57, the levels of received color light. It is appreciated, the mobile app would show by way of indicator dials or bar graph indicators, “Good,” “OK,” or “Bad” levels of Red, Green, Blue light levels as pertaining to parameters set dependant on time of day, for example.

It is appreciated that considering the widespread use of smartphones/cell phones57, the light monitoring device10will most likely be interfacing with such smartphones/cell phones57for remote access to data. With this in mind, and considering the display52built into the light monitoring device10will likely be relatively small, the light monitoring device10may interface with a smartphone/cell phone57carried by the user. As such, the display of the smartphone/cell phone57will receive warnings downloaded from the light monitoring device10for display to the user and will also allow for control of the light monitoring device10by uploading instructions from the smartphone/cell phone57to the light monitoring device10

The warning system40is linked to the light monitoring device10and provides the wearer with a warning when the predetermined thresholds are reached. In particular, and as briefly discussed above, the display52on the light monitoring device10can indicate conditions through iconic type messages. The smartphone/cell phone57linked to the light monitoring device10then receives information downloaded from the light monitoring device10and provides for a more expanded and detailed explanation of the prognosis. It is appreciated that a preferred embodiment does not at this time have tactile or sound feedback, but such features may be incorporated into an application running on the smart phones, cell phones, tablets, etc. linked to the light monitoring device10.

As substantial data is generated during the operation of the present sleep monitoring system, the data storage device42is linked to the light sensing and evaluation system26, in particular, the programmable light evaluation circuitry38, for ready access to the generated data. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the data storage device42is a Flash rewriteable memory module.

Considering the ability to provide for wireless communications, the light monitoring device10links to a remote host computer16to facilitate adjustment of the predetermined thresholds as discussed; that is, the light sensing and evaluation system26of the present light monitoring device10is customizable to the user by use of external programming capabilities. Still further, the remote host computer16is provided with analysis software22. In particular, the analysis software22resides on the remote host computer16, and receives data from the light monitoring device10for analysis on historical data retention. The analysis software22is responsible for communicating data, status and updates to the light monitoring device10and contains code for data analysis in order to establish baseline and recommendation prognosis.

The linking of the light monitoring device10to a remote computer is facilitated by the provision of a mobile base unit14. The mobile base unit14contains a power control subsystem58including a regulated house current adapter for use in charging the light monitoring device10when the light monitoring device10is physically attached thereto, preferably through the use of USB based charging circuits and/or an optional wall power source63. The mobile base unit14also contains a wireless radio interface subsystem60that enables wireless data exchange between the light monitoring device10and the mobile base unit14based on industry standard like WiFi or Bluetooth technology. Transmission of data received by the mobile base unit14to the remote host computer16is facilitated by a USB interface62that allows data communications between the mobile base unit14and the remote host computer16, although it is also contemplated known wireless transmission protocols may be employed. It is also appreciated that the mobile base unit14may include indicators like power/charging status and wireless connectivity.

The wireless communication capabilities of the present invention may be implemented for the transmission of data and information to a health care professional for further analysis and treatment. With this in mind, the system in accordance with the present invention is provided with a remote website portal18that may be accessed via the Internet65. The remote website portal18processes and stores data received and transmitted throughout the complete system100. The remote website portal18allows for both client login and professional healthcare provider login, wherein client login allows for review and access to status information for personal use and the professional healthcare provider login allows for remote monitoring and prognosis recommendation management.

It is further contemplated the light monitoring device10may be provided with an audio sensor67. Such as sensor might be implemented to monitor sound levels to which the wearer is exposed and which might having a bearing on the sleep habits of the user.

The light monitoring device10is further provided with a battery64supported by the housing32. The battery64is used to power the light monitoring device10. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the battery64is a rechargeable battery. It is appreciated a solar or photovoltaic element may be employed to assist in charging the battery64. The light monitoring device10can be worn as jewelry wherein the photovoltaic element is hidden behind an ornate object. Moreover, an induction charging system can be incorporated so that the device is completely sealed without any external connectors. As such, and within current and existing technology, the housing32can be constructed as a water resistant enclosure.

As discussed above, the present invention provides a device for assisting users in the treatment of insomnia and other sleeping disorders. Still further, it is contemplated the present invention may be employed by soldiers deployed to foreign lands as a tool to assist in the treatment of sleep disorders. For example, soldiers may be equipped with the present light monitoring device10to determine differences in ambient light at their deployed locations when compared to their homes. For example, the exposure to TVs, computers, fluorescent lights, etc. is likely very different from the environment soldiers will encounter in the field, and proactively addressing these differences may lead to enhanced sleep and improved functioning while awake.

Still further, it is also known that lack of sleep for the first few hours of the night can cause a very deep sleep in the second part of the night and sleep apnea is a symptom during deep sleep. As such, the present light monitoring device10may be used as a tool to enhance sleep during the first few hours of the night so as to avoid the deep sleep associated with sleep apnea.