Spectrally and Spatially Modulated Illumination for Novel Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept expands the core technology of spectrally and spatially modulated illumination to novel applications beyond human circadian rhythms, addressing unmet needs in agriculture, healthcare, wearable technology, and low-light environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a lighting system for human circadian rhythms, but its potential applications are limited. This inventive concept solves the problem of restricted use cases by adapting the core technology to address specific challenges in diverse industries, such as optimizing plant growth, improving cognitive function, enhancing visual performance, and treating seasonal affective disorder.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept encompasses a range of systems and methods that leverage spectrally and spatially modulated illumination to tackle distinct problems. In agriculture, the luminaire is designed to provide dynamic spectral and spatial distributions of light to optimize plant growth and yield. For individuals with ADHD, the method involves dynamically adjusting the illumination to provide enhanced melanopic flux during focused attention tasks. The wearable device includes a sensor to detect the individual's circadian rhythm and adjusts the illumination accordingly. In low-light environments, the system provides spectrally and spatially modulated illumination optimized for the visual task at hand. Lastly, the method for treating SAD involves dynamically adjusting the illumination to provide enhanced melanopic flux during periods of reduced natural light exposure.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases that were not contemplated in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to address specific challenges in diverse industries, demonstrating a non-obvious expansion of the original concept.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in luminaire design, sensor integration, and algorithms for dynamic spectral and spatial modulation. Additionally, the inventive concept could be implemented using different types of light sources, such as organic LEDs or laser diodes.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, healthcare, wearable technology, and low-light environments. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking to improve crop yields, enhance cognitive function, develop innovative wearable devices, and optimize visual performance in challenging environments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M21/02 |
| A | A61 | A61N5/0618 |
| H | H05 | H05B45/20 |
| A | A61 | A61M2021/0027 |
| A | A61 | A61M2021/0044 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3368 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3375 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/587 |
| A | A61 | A61N2005/0651 |
| A | A61 | A61N2005/0663 |
| F | F21 | F21S6/003 |
| F | F21 | F21V1/00 |
| F | F21 | F21Y2113/13 |
| F | F21 | F21Y2115/10 |
| H | H05 | H05B47/16 |
| H | H05 | H05B47/19 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Illumination systems and methods, with expertise in LED technologies, spectral modulation, circadian rhythm optimization, and adaptive lighting applications across medical, agricultural, and human performance domains
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced knowledge of photonics, LED engineering, human physiological responses to light, and interdisciplinary applications of spectrally controlled illumination systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's core technology of spectrally and spatially modulated illumination provides a fundamental framework that can be systematically adapted to diverse application contexts. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the original patent's core technological principles, leveraging known techniques of sensor integration, dynamic spectral adjustment, and targeted illumination strategies. The PTD demonstrates that the underlying technological mechanism can be readily translated across different domains by applying established engineering principles of light modulation and physiological response mapping.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,732 |
|---|---|
| Title | Luminaires, systems and methods for providing spectrally and spatially modulated illumination |
| Assignee(s) | Biological Innovation and Optimization Systems, LLC |