US6554439B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illumination apparatus for simulating dynamic light conditions
Assignee: McLean Hospital
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Filing: 2000-05-15
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Granted: 2003-04-29
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Expires: 2020-05-15
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for generating artificial light that closely simulates the intensity and spectrum of natural light and other dynamic light conditions. The apparatus includes a collection of light sources of various colors which are controlled by a computer. Attached to the computer is a sensor that measures the spectral qualities of the light produced by the light sources. The sensor sends this information to the computer which then adjusts the light sources to generate the desired light conditions.
Inventors
- 👤 Martin H. Teicher
- 👤 Steven B. Lowen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 12:44
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21S; F21S10/00; F21S10/02; F21S8/00; F21S8/006; F21V; F21V23/00; F21V23/04; F21V23/0442; F21V23/0457; F21V9/00; F21V9/40; G; G01; G01J; G01J3/00; G01J3/12; G01J2003/1278
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus for generating artificial light that mimics a desired dynamic light condition, comprising: (a) multiple illumination sources emitting light of different wavelengths; (b) means for detecting spectral characteristics of the sum of said emitted light and transmitting said characteristics to a computer; and (c) means for sending control signals from said computer to said illumination sources to control the intensity of illumination from a plurality of said illumination sources to alter said spectral characteristics so that the light mimics the desired dynamic light condition over time.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus for generating artificial light that mimics a desired dynamic light condition, comprising: (a) multiple illumination sources emitting light of different wavelengths; (b) means for detecting spectral characteristics of the sum of said emitted light and transmitting said characteristics to a computer; and (c) means for sending control signals from said computer to said illumination sources to control the intensity of illumination from a plurality of said illumination sources to alter said spectral characteristics so that the light mimics the desired dynamic light condition over time.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said dynamic light condition is natural light.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said illumination sources comprise a white light source, a blue light source, a yellow light source, and a red light source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said means for detecting spectral characteristics comprises a collection of photocells.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said computer is a stand-alone personal computer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said apparatus further comprises an electronic driver capable of translating low-level control signals generated by standard computer peripherals into high-power signals for directly controlling said illumination sources.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said illumination sources further comprise at least one rotating filter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said means for detecting spectral characteristics further comprises a collection of filters.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for delivering artificial light that mimics a dynamic light condition comprising the following steps: (a) emitting light of different wavelengths from multiple illumination sources; (b) detecting spectral characteristics of the sum of said emitted light and transmitting said characteristics to a computer; (c) sending control signals from said computer to said illumination sources to control the intensity of illumination from a plurality of said illumination sources; and (d) altering said spectral characteristics so that the light mimics the dynamic light condition over time.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for delivering artificial light that mimics a dynamic light condition comprising the following steps: (a) emitting light of different wavelengths from multiple illumination sources; (b) detecting spectral characteristics of the sum of said emitted light and transmitting said characteristics to a computer; (c) sending control signals from said computer to said illumination sources to control the intensity of illumination from a plurality of said illumination sources; and (d) altering said spectral characteristics so that the light mimics the dynamic light condition over time.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein said dynamic light condition is natural light.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein said light is used to alter natural patterns of animal behavior.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein said light is used to facilitate seasonal behavior in animals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein said seasonal behavior is mating.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein said light is used to inhibit seasonal behavior in animals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein said light is used to modify seasonal behavior in animals.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein said light is used to treat a light-sensitive psychological disorder.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said psychological disorder is selected from the group consisting of SAD, depression, sleep disorders, jet lag, chronobiologic disorders, and circadian rhythm disorders.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein said light is used to facilitate natural cycles of plant growth, flowering, or fruit production.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein said light is used to inhibit natural cycles of plant growth, flowering, or fruit production.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein said light is used to modify cycles of plant growth, flowering or fruit production.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for calibrating an illumination device comprising the following steps: (a) applying a power level to an illumination source of said illumination device so that the illumination source emits light; (b) allowing the level of emitted light to reach equilibrium; (c) detecting intensity or spectral characteristics of said emitted light; (d) storing said characteristics of said emitted light; (e) increasing said power level and repeating steps (a) through (d); and (f) repeating steps (a) through (e) for each illumination source of said illumination device.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for calibrating an illumination device comprising the following steps: (a) applying a power level to an illumination source of said illumination device so that the illumination source emits light; (b) allowing the level of emitted light to reach equilibrium; (c) detecting intensity or spectral characteristics of said emitted light; (d) storing said characteristics of said emitted light; (e) increasing said power level and repeating steps (a) through (d); and (f) repeating steps (a) through (e) for each illumination source of said illumination device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-04-28 | 2006-10-28 | 2007-04-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-04-28 | 2010-10-28 | 2011-04-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-04-28 | 2014-10-28 | 2015-04-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |