Abstract:
Systems and methods for gathering data relating to time, personnel tasks, personnel awareness levels, and lighting and regulating the levels of white light or blue light in a command center to optimize personnel awareness, accuracy, and effectiveness. Systems and methods for optimum delivery of blue light for ambient, display and task or spot illumination via specialized fixtures, timing, and regulation to optimize alertness and efficiency in a 24-hour command center setting.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The invention relates to lighting control in command centers. More particularly, the invention relates to automatically setting levels and frequencies of ambient, display and work lighting for optimum operator awareness and performance. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Lighting has long been known to have a psychological and physiological effect, especially where in an interior workplace without natural light. A special challenge is maintaining alertness during night shifts in workplaces that operate around the clock, most critically in important security-related installations such as military command centers. 
     A command center consists of a multiuser space with individual and group work areas. Elements of a command center typically include individual workstations in an organized layout, room displays visible to multiple workers, and meeting or conference areas. 
     Often the center must operate for long periods of time or even continuously, mandating extended and/or multiple shifts. With the often critical nature of activities conducted from such centers, such as emergency services, military operations, or satellite communications, it is a priority to maintain a high level of awareness among the operators working there. 
     Several studies have been conducted comparing the frequency of light to alertness, and generally have found that shortwave light at the blue end of the visible spectrum maintains alertness more than white light or longer-wave (red) light. A study from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women&#39;s Hospital (Sleep, February 2006) found subjects exposed to 460 nm (blue) light rated themselves more awake and had quicker reaction times than subjects exposed to green light (555 nm) even though the visual system is more sensitive to the latter. These researchers and others found evidence of a photoreceptor system used for non-sight purposes, such as synchronizing to a 24-hour day, which continues to function even in some blind people. 
     It would be useful to advantageously use the properties of blue lighting to increase operator effectiveness in an operations or command center setting. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In some embodiments of the invention, systems and methods are provided for gathering data relating to time, personnel tasks, personnel awareness levels, and lighting and regulating the levels of white light or blue light in a command center to optimize personnel awareness, accuracy, and effectiveness. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, systems and methods provided for optimum delivery of blue light for ambient, display and task or spot illumination via specialized fixtures, timing, and regulation to optimize alertness and efficiency in a 24-hour command center setting. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a command center is designed with lighting systems having white and blue light components strategically placed for use with a system that optimizes white and blue light levels for various command center regions including, but not limited to overhead lighting, workstation lighting, and display lighting. 
     Some embodiments of the invention involve a control system comprising a central blue light regulator engine and a plurality of processing sub-modules for gather temporal information, task-related information, awareness level information and light level information and processing the gathered information to deliver lighting signals to a plurality of lights located in a command center. 
     Some embodiments of the invention involve methods of regulating white and blue light levels by gathering temporal information, task-related information, awareness level information and light level information, processing the gathered information, and delivering lighting signals to a plurality of lights located in a command center. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary blue light installation in a workspace according to some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a lighting control system according to some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a control system&#39;s processing modules according to some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a method for placing lighting, configuring a central light regulator engine, gathering lighting attributes, and optimizing lighting in a command center according to some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a block schematic diagram of a machine in the exemplary form of a computer system within which a set of instructions may be programmed to cause the machine to execute the logic steps of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the presently preferred embodiments, lighting fixtures emitting blue light are placed within a working environment and regulated to provide both general and task or individual workstation illumination. For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “blue light” shall mean an electromagnetic frequency in the range of 420-490 nm wavelength, within the visible range. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a workspace is configured with a plurality of blue lights, as well as white lights, to take advantage of the benefits of blue light on humans. In some embodiments of the invention, additional light fixtures emitting white light, and are used to balance the level of blue light while maintaining adequate intensity for workspaces. 
     The presently preferred embodiments of the invention involve adjusting the levels of light in a command center. However, it will be clear to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, that the lighting systems and methods of monitoring and controlling lighting systems are equally applicable in a wide variety of workspaces. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary blue light installation in a command center  10  according to some embodiments of the invention. The command center  10  of  FIG. 1  comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures, roughly divided into three different types. 
     First, area lighting fixtures  11 ,  12 , and  13  are located on the ceiling and provide background illumination for the entire space. Additional ceiling-mounted lights (not shown) may provide higher levels of illumination for specified areas, such as meeting areas or stairs. The command center  10  of  FIG. 1  includes a plurality of work stations  15 . Accordingly, task lighting  16  is generally affixed to one or more workstation or directly overhead, and provides tightly focused light for desks or work benches. The command center  10  of  FIG. 1  also includes a large display  14 , and blue light fixtures  17  are configured on the periphery of the display  14  to soften the contrast between the screen illumination and the adjacent wall, as well as to reduce eye strain. 
     Some embodiments of the invention involve unique methods of installing and operating the fixtures to optimize their effects, either generally or for one or more specific purposes. For example, some embodiments of the invention involve regulating the blue light in a worker&#39;s environment. The blue lighting is regulated to help maintain a desired level of awareness for personnel working in the space. Regulation may adjust the intensity of blue light based on time, area, amount of blue light received, awareness, or other variables. 
     Regulation by Time 
     Studies show sensitivity to blue light is stronger in the morning, when its effectiveness at increasing alertness is most apparent. Some embodiments of the invention involve methods of regulating blue light intensity based on a number of factors. 
     In some examples, the intensity of the background blue light may be varied according to time of day, or other temporal variable. For example the most intense blue light may be used in the morning and lessened in the afternoon, e.g. by desaturating with white light. For an overnight shift, the blue light might be minimized in the early evening when workers are most alert, and increased as the night goes on to help prevent the urge of sleep. In other examples, an initial high level of blue light can be programmed when a shift starts in order to boost melatonin, and thus awareness. 
     Often, command centers are conducting or monitoring operations in another time zone. For example, a military center in the US in the middle of the night could be operating drones over the Middle East in broad daylight. Accordingly, a disconnect between the time zones can lead to fatigue and disorientation. To lessen this effect, light levels may be adjusted to conform to the time zone the operators are concerned with, which is not necessarily the same as their physical location. In some embodiments of the invention, a processing module is configured for automatically accounting for time zone differences and daylight savings time adjustments (explained in greater detail below). 
     Regulation by Task 
     A large proportion of blue lighting takes some adaptation, especially when coming from another room with bright white light, or from daylight. For personnel who must frequently exit and enter their workspace from such areas, local lighting should be brighter and have a higher proportion of white light than personnel who remain in the blue-lit room for long periods of time. 
     Accordingly, some embodiments of the invention involve regulating the intensity of blue light depending on the frequency of use of the area by one or more group of personnel. For example, this can be easily accomplished through configuration of areas of overhead lighting in high traffic areas with less of a blue light component for groups of workers routinely entering the area from daylight and separate, workstation-specific lighting, such as desk lights with relatively more blue light, for individuals remaining in a command center for more extended periods of time. In some other embodiments, a processing module gathers information about the entering and exiting habits of personnel and automatically adjusts blue light to optimize utility. 
     A corridor may be used as a transition between the blue-lit environment and an outside or white-lit area. The lighting color may vary along the length of the corridor, with the balance changing from blue to white to match the environments at either end. The gradual change prevents an abrupt change in lighting and can reduce stress and disorientation. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, information relating to time-spent at a workstation is gathered by personnel notifying the system via an identifier in a badge or login information, such as a personal identification number (PIN) or password. For example, when a particular personnel member logs into their workstation computer, he will be required to enter a PIN or scan a badge for identification. The system may then compare the identification with stored information on what type of task the user or job position normally performs, specifically whether the task is stationary or involves frequent movement around the workspace. For those workers identified as kinetic, i.e. frequent movers, less blue light is needed. Similarly, for those workers identified as stationary, more blue light is optimal. In some other embodiments, workers self-report their work style manually or adjust a work style interpreted via their badge or PIN. 
     In some other embodiments, movement may be tracked via sensors at various points, such as entry doors, configured to detect personnel badges. Movement patterns may be tracked over time and used to build up predominant patterns, which can then be used to set optimal blue lighting levels. 
     Although specific methods of gathering task-related information are disclosed, those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will understand that various methods, now known or later developed, are equally appropriate for gathering information about worker&#39;s task as they affect blue light optimization. 
     Regulation by Awareness Level 
     Some embodiments of the invention involve regulating workstation lighting based on gathered biometrics or other quantifiable human attribute. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, lighting of individual work spaces, such as narrowly focused overhead lighting or workstation lighting, is regulated by monitoring the worker&#39;s awareness level. 
     Several of these technologies have been studied as a means of tracking awareness and fatigue. In some embodiments of the invention, when fatigue is detected, lighting intensity is increased to stimulate melatonin, and thus awareness. 
     According to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, monitoring may be done through a variety of means, including, but not limited to blink rate sensors, nodding sensors, and typing accuracy. 
     Fatigued individuals tend to blink more. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the invention, the blink rate of workplace personnel is monitored and blue light levels are automatically adjusted by a processing module to combat fatigue. The blue light adjustment is based on the monitored blink rate and an equation stored in memory connected with the processing module. In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, personnel blink rate is detected and monitored through a high frame rate camera pointed at a person&#39;s face. 
     In some other embodiments, an individual is monitored for nodding or other physical indicia of tiredness and blue light levels are automatically adjusted by a processing module to combat fatigue. The blue light adjustment is based on the monitored nodding and an equation stored in memory connected with the processing module. In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, personnel nodding are monitored by a nodding sensor comprising a camera or a commercially available over-ear device, such that nodding movements when a person is falling asleep can be detected. 
     Typing accuracy is another indicia of alertness. Accordingly, in some other embodiments, an individual is monitored for typing accuracy. Measurements of how often a worker goes back and alters a word, or makes apparent spelling or grammar mistakes, can be used additional or alternate indicators of tiredness. Accordingly, blue light levels are automatically adjusted by a processing module to combat fatigue when typing inaccuracy indicates fatigue. 
     Regulation by Amount of Light Received 
     In certain situations it may be advantageous to measure the current and cumulative amount of the light at a given area of the command center. Accordingly, some embodiments of the invention involve regulating workstation lighting based on the cumulative amount of the light at a given area of the command center. 
     In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, photoelectric light sensors are placed at workstations and other areas to gather lighting attributes. In some embodiments of the invention, filters are placed over the sensors to measure only the blue light and/or the proportion of blue light to other frequencies. The gathered lighting data is used by a control system (explained in greater detail below) to adjust the percentage of blue light verses white light in a certain area. 
     Control System 
     The presently preferred embodiments of the invention involve a lighting control system configured for regulating blue light in a command center. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a lighting control system according to some embodiments of the invention. According to  FIG. 2 , the lighting control system  200  includes one or more busses for accepting inputs, a processor operatively coupled with a memory device, wherein processor is configured for processing input, and one or more controllers for outputting processed instructions to one or more lighting group. As shown, the lighting control system accepts inputs including: input of local time  201 , input of local time in the time zone of remote operations run from the command center  202 , measurements of light output and proportion of blue light obtained from photosensors  203 , and inputs awareness sensors  204 . Also, shown is a manual input  205 . In some embodiments, additional inputs may be manually entered and adjusted, for example to define shift lengths overall or by specific area, direct setting of light levels, or modes such as for regular vs. emergency operations vs. tours. 
     The control system  200  is coupled with a plurality of lighting systems including area lights  210 , task lights  211 , and workstation lights  212 . The control system  200  is configured to adjust and monitor the output from each individual fixture, both for the space as a whole and for task lighting. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the control system  200  is based on digital communication standards, such as the DMX-512 serial protocol, used for lighting control systems. These systems typically consist of a lighting controller accepting inputs from a touchscreen or button station, and outputting commands to a dimmer from which lights are powered. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a control system  300  represented in modular form according to some embodiments of the invention. The control system  300  comprises a central blue light regulator engine  310  containing a processor  311 , a memory  312 , and one or more connectors  313  for operatively coupling the central blue light regulator engine  310  with a plurality of processing sub-modules  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 , and  360 . 
     As used herein, the terms “module” and “sub-module” refer to any software and/or hardware processing component or portion thereof that may be used to implement one or more of the processing functions. 
     In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, the plurality of processing sub-modules  320 ,  330 ,  340 , and  350  are configured for gathering lighting attributes. In some embodiments, the central blue light regulator engine  310  is preprogrammed with one or more algorithm configured to automatically optimize lighting settings according to the gathered attributes. In some other embodiments, the central blue light regulator engine  310  is coupled with one or more operator computer  370  for allowing an operator to manually enter custom optimization settings. 
     In some embodiments, the central blue light regulator engine  310  is operatively coupled with a time regulator  320  sub-module. The time regulator  320  is configured to process time-based inputs and output instructions for controlling the white lights and blue lights of a lighting system. In some embodiments of the invention, the time regulator  320  is operatively coupled with one or more user computer  325 . Operators can manually enter time-related lighting instructions into the user computer  325  for ingestion by the time regulator  320 . Additionally, the time regulator  320  can be configured with instructions for automatically processing computer records on the one or more user computer. 
     For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the time regulator  320  is configured for automatically accessing personnel schedules and for determining optimal times for exposing personnel to blue light, varying blue and white light intensity based on personnel start time and end time, and performing other lighting adjustments to optimize awareness and alertness. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the time regulator  320  is operatively coupled with one or more clock  321 . In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, the clock  321  comprises a world clock with a plurality time values for various time zones and adjusted for daylight saving time. According to these embodiments, lighting exposure, duration, etc. is individually optimized for personnel based on their time zone. 
     For example, soldiers in Arizona and soldiers in Hawaii may be collaborating to target an object in Afghanistan during daylight saving time and both the Arizona command center and the Hawaiian command center are networked with the time regulator  320 . The time regulator  320  references the clock  321  which returns the current time in Mountain Standard Time (Arizona does not adjust for daylight saving time), Hawaii Daylight Time, and perhaps Afghanistan time. The time regulator  320  determines optimal blue light levels for personnel based on local time. 
     As explained above, it takes more time for human eyes to adjust to blue light when coming indoors from daylight. In some embodiments, the time regulator  320  determines the current outside light levels based on the local time of day, as well as on the sun&#39;s position in the sky and the time regulator  320  configures light levels accordingly. These embodiments are particularly useful in areas having wide swings in daylight duration. 
     Although specific examples of temporal-based lighting considerations are listed, a plurality of other temporal-based considerations will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the central blue light regulator engine  310  is also operatively coupled with a task regulator  330  sub-module. The task regulator  330  is configured to process task related information and output instructions for controlling the white lights and blue lights of a lighting system. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the task regulator  330  is operatively coupled with one or more user computer  335 . Operators can self-report task related information by manually enter task-related lighting instructions into the user computer  335  for ingestion by the task regulator  330 . 
     As explained above, for personnel who must frequently exit and enter their workspace from such areas, local lighting should be brighter and have a higher proportion of white light than personnel who remain in the blue-lit room for long periods of time. Accordingly, the command center can be outfitted with motion sensors to capture traffic flow data and a task regulator  330  for automatically processing lighting instructions for optimizing task lighting based on traffic. 
     Additionally, in some embodiments of the invention, the task regulator  330  is coupled with a processing sub-module  332  configured for monitoring personnel CPU usage. According to these embodiments, the task regulator  330  can determine to adjust blue light based on time spent at a workstation. 
     Although specific examples of task-related lighting considerations are listed, a plurality of other task-related considerations will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the central blue light regulator engine  310  is also operatively coupled with an awareness regulator  340  sub-module. The awareness regulator  340  comprising a processing module operatively coupled to one or more sensor for monitoring personnel awareness or fatigue levels. The awareness regulator  340  is further configured for outputting lighting instructions based on gathered biometrics or other gathered indicia of fatigue. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the awareness regulator  340  is operatively coupled with one or more blink sensor  341 , one or more nodding sensor  342 , and one or more typing accuracy module  343 . According to these embodiment personnel are monitored for blinking, nodding, sloppy typing or other physical indicia of tiredness and instructions are passed by the awareness regulator  340  to the central blue light regulator engine  310 . Preferably, blue light levels are automatically adjusted by the central blue light regulator engine  310  to combat fatigue based on the gathered biometrics and other gathered indicia of fatigue. 
     Although specific examples of awareness level gathering types are listed, a plurality of other biometrics and other indicia of fatigue are readily applicable to the invention, as will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the central blue light regulator engine  310  is also operatively coupled with one or more photosensor regulator  350  sub-module. Preferably, the photosensor regulator  350  is operatively coupled with a plurality of photosensors  351 ,  352 , . . . n located in various strategic positions around a control center. The photosensors  351 ,  352 , . . . n gather white light information and blue light information and report the gathered information back to the photosensor regulator  350 . Accordingly, the photosensor regulator  350  processes the gathered information and outputs instructions to the central blue light regulator engine  310 . Of course, other configurations of photosensors will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, the central blue light regulator engine  310  gathers the individual instructions from the various sub-modules, optionally assigns a weight to, each, processes the instructions based on pre-configured instructions or based on an operator&#39;s preferences, or both, and delivers operation signals to a controller  360  for controlling the light setting for the in the command center. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a method  400  for placing lighting, configuring a central light regulator engine, gathering lighting attributes, and optimizing lighting in a command center according to some embodiments of the invention. 
     The method  400  starts  401  by designing a command center lighting system  402  with a plurality of white lights and blue lights. Designing a command center lighting system  402  preferably involves taking into account the need for general purpose lighting, task-related specific lighting, workstation lighting, and display lighting. 
     Next, the method  400  involves configuring a central blue light regulator engine  403 . In some embodiments, the step of configuring a central blue light regulator engine  403  involves designing a purpose built processing algorithm embedded in hardware especially designed to optimize white and blue lighting according to programmed logic. In some other embodiments, the step of configuring a central blue light regulator engine  402  involves using a graphical user interface for recording customized instructions from an operator defining white and blue lighting optimization preferences. In some other embodiments, the step of configuring a central blue light regulator engine  403  involves a hybrid process involving both custom preferences and automatic logic. 
     Next, the method  400  performs a series of steps of gathering command center-related values including: gathering time-related inputs  404 ; gathering task-related inputs  405 ; gathering awareness-related inputs  406 ; and gathering light level inputs  407 . Preferably, the series of steps of gathering command center-related values are performed using a system architecture described above in relation to  FIG. 3 . 
     The method  400  continues with processing the gathered values in the central blue light regulator engine  408  according to the configuration step  403 . Preferably, the method  400  is continuous in that the step of processing the gathered values in the central blue light regulator engine  408  is constantly being performed as new values are input. Additionally, the processed values are assembled into a lighting control signal  409  and the control signal is delivered  410  to the plurality of white lights and blue lights. 
       FIG. 5  is a block schematic diagram of a machine in the exemplary form of a computer system within which a set of instructions may be programmed to cause the machine to execute the logic steps of the invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a block schematic diagram of a machine in the exemplary form of a computer system  500  within which a set of instructions may be programmed to cause the machine to execute the logic steps of the invention. In alternative embodiments, the machine may comprise a network router, a network switch, a network bridge, personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a Web appliance or any machine capable of executing a sequence of instructions that specify actions to be taken by that machine. 
     The computer system  500  includes a processor  502 , a main memory  504  and a static memory  506 , which communicate with each other via a bus  508 . The computer system  500  may further include a display unit  510 , for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT). The computer system  500  also includes an alphanumeric input device  512 , for example, a keyboard; a cursor control device  514 , for example, a mouse; a disk drive unit  516 , a signal generation device  518 , for example, a speaker, and a network interface device  520 . 
     The disk drive unit  516  includes a machine-readable medium  524  on which is stored a set of executable instructions, i.e. software,  526  embodying any one, or all, of the methodologies described herein below. The software  526  is also shown to reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory  504  and/or within the processor  502 . The software  526  may further be transmitted or received over a network  528 ,  530  by means of a network interface device  520 . 
     In contrast to the system  500  discussed above, a different embodiment uses logic circuitry instead of computer-executed instructions to implement processing entities. Depending upon the particular requirements of the application in the areas of speed, expense, tooling costs, and the like, this logic may be implemented by constructing an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having thousands of tiny integrated transistors. Such an ASIC may be implemented with CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor), TTL (transistor-transistor logic), VLSI (very large systems integration), or another suitable construction. Other alternatives include a digital signal processing chip (DSP), discrete circuitry (such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, inductors, and transistors), field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic array (PLA), programmable logic device (PLD), and the like. 
     It is to be understood that embodiments may be used as or to support software programs or software modules executed upon some form of processing core (such as the CPU of a computer) or otherwise implemented or realized upon or within a machine or computer readable medium. A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine, e.g. a computer. For example, a machine readable medium includes read-only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals, for example, carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.; or any other type of media suitable for storing or transmitting information. 
     Although the invention described herein with reference to the preferred embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other applications may be substituted for those set forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the Claims included below. 
     Although the invention is described herein with reference to the preferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other applications may be substituted for those set forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the Claims included below.