GB2308901A

GB2308901A - Waking a person by increasing the intensity of a light

Info

Publication number: GB2308901A
Application number: GB9626220A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Richards
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-01-04
Filing date: 1996-12-18
Publication date: 1997-07-09
Also published as: GB9626220D0

Abstract

A programmable timer 2 is used to switch on a controller 6 which in turn sends control pulses to a dimmer circuit 4. The dimmer is controlled to gradually increase the power to a bulb 5. The apparatus is used to wake up a sleeping person. The dimmer may be controlled remotely by the controller, or may be controlled manually.

Description

"Apparatus for Waking a Person" This invention relates to the use of alarm clocks to arouse people from sleep.

In order to wake from sleep at a predetermined time, there are a variety of alarm clocks available. The common feature of these alarms is the use of sound of one form or another to interrupt sleep. The disadvantage of these types of systems is that wakening is brought about in a sudden and often unsettling way.

In accordance with the present invention, apparatus for waking a person from sleep comprises a clock device, an interface device coupled to the clock device and a light source mounted on a surface of a room in which the person is sleeping, the light source coupled to the interface device, the clock device sending a signal to the interface device at a preset time, and the interface device, in response to the signal from the clock device, increasing the intensity of light emitted by the light source over a time interval, to wake a person from sleep.

Preferably, the surface may be a side-wall or ceiling of the room.

Typically, the light source comprises a ceiling mounted pendant light source.

Preferably, the interface device comprises a lighting dimmer circuit. Typically the interface device may also include a dimming cycle controller.

Typically, the clock device may be a clock with an alarm output signal.

In one example of the invention, the interface device may comprise a remote control device and a remotely controlled dimmer circuit which permits the clock device to be remotely located from the dimmer circuit.

In this example the interface device typically also includes a dimming cycle controller which is activated when the clock device reaches the preset time and which provides control pulses to the remote control device to operate a remotely controlled dimmer circuit coupled to the light source. Alternatively, the clock device may emit pulses to pulse the remote control device.

In another example of the invention, the clock device and the interface device may be integrated into a single unit, and typically, the interface device includes a dimming cycle controller and a dimming circuit, the dimming circuit being coupled to the light source.

The apparatus may be operated by mains electricity, by batteries, or by both electricity and batteries.

The time interval may be a few minutes, and is typically between five minutes and thirty minutes.

Preferably, the time interval is approximately fifteen minutes.

Preferably, the interface device has a number of control modes and the apparatus may also include a selection device to select a control mode of the interface device.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, apparatus for controlling the intensity of a light source comprises a clock device, an interface device having a number of control modes, the interface device being coupled to the clock device, a light source coupled to the interface device, and a selection device coupled to the interface device to select a control mode of the interface device, the clock device sending a signal to the interface device at a preset time, and the interface device in response to the signal from the clock device, controlling the intensity of light emitted by the light source in accordance with the control mode selected by the selection device.

Typically, the selection device which may be operated to cause the interface device to switch the light source off and then on again, after said time interval has elapsed. The advantage of this is that the light source flashes off and back on, and this helps to arouse the person from sleep at the end of said time interval.

Typically, the selection device may also be operated to cause the interface device, in response to said signal from the clock device, to switch the light source off after another time interval, the other time interval being greater than said time interval.

Preferably, the selection device may permit the intesity of the light at the end of said time interval to be varied. For example, the selection device may enable a user to choose an intensity of 50% or 100% of the maximum possible intensity of the light source.

The apparatus may also include an audible alarm device, which is preferably, activated towards or at the end of said time interval. Preferably, the selection device also permits the audible alarm function to be enabled or disabled.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, apparatus for controlling a light source comprises a clock device, an interface device coupled to the clock device, a remote control device, and a light source, the remote control device coupling the interface device to the light source, and a selection device coupled to the interface device to select a time interval, the clock device sending a signal to the interface device at a preset time, and the interface device in response to the signal from the clock device, switching on the light source for the time interval selected by the selection device and switching the light source off at the end of the time interval.

Examples of apparatus for waking a person in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first example of apparatus for waking a person; and Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second example of apparatus for waking a person.

Fig. 1 shows apparatus 1 for increasing the level of light in a room from ambient night time levels to ambient daylight levels, over a predetermined time interval, at a predetermined time. The apparatus 1 consists of the following elements: a remote control unit 2 with an infra-red output signal 3; a light dimmer circuit 4; and a standard light source 5.

The remote control unit 2 contains a clock with an alarm output, a dimming cycle control chip and an infra-red output 6. The light dimmer 4 has an infrared sensor which receives the output signals 3 and modulates output power 9 supplied to the light source 5 in response to the signals 3 received from the control unit 2.

The output signals 3 are used to initiate an increase of light level from the light source 5 at a predetermined time which is determined by the alarm output from the clock which activates the dimming cycle control chip. In response to the signals 3, the dimmer switch 4 increases the power output 9 to the light 5 to increase the intensity of light emitted by the light 5.

The dimmer circuit 4 modulates light levels according to signals 3 from the control unit 2, or from hand contact with a manual switch facility on the dimmer circuit 4. The dimmer circuit 4 is designed specifically to increase light levels in a predetermined manner. The light source 5 is a standard light globe or bulb and is preferably a pendant light mounted on or depending from a ceiling.

The dimmer circuit 4 is such that momentary activation of the circuit 4 by signals 3 or by the manual switch turns the light on and off, while more prolonged activation by the signals 3 or the manual switch causes the brightness level to change in a manner defined by the design of the dimming cycle control chip. A suitable chip is a LS7231 as made by LSI/CSI.

The control unit 2 is programmed to pulse the infra-red output 6 for the required prolonged activation time, approximately 0.5 second to activate the light dimmer 4. The off time in between pulses is set such that the increase in brightness of the light from minimum to maximum takes place over a period of approximately fifteen minutes, the required off period between pulses being about 40 seconds.

The control unit 2 is programmed to generate signals 3 as control signal pulses which will cause the dimmer circuit 4 to take the light 5 from "off" to maximum brightness over a time period determined by the control unit 2. After this time period, the control unit 2 will cease to generate signals 3. If this is not done, the chip in the unit 2 will continue through its cycle with each successive input pulse and commence to dim the light again.

Fig. 2 shows an apparatus 10 which may also be used to increase the level of light in a room from an ambient night time level to an ambient daylight level. The device 10 comprises a combined clock and dimming unit 11 and a light source 5. The light source 5 is identical to the light source 5 shown in Fig. 1.

However, in Fig. 2 the unit 11 directly controls the output power 9 to the light 5. Hence, the infra-red control is not required.

The unit 11 comprises a clock with alarm output, a dimming cycle control chip and a direct interface to a dimmer control chip which is within the unit 11, and which controls the power output 9.

Apart from this difference, the operation of the apparatus 10 is the same as for the apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1.

Typically, the units 4, 11 may be wall mounted and replace a conventional main ceiling pendant light switch and the light source 5 is a main ceiling pendant light.

By increasing the level of light in a sleeping chamber from normal night time darkness to levels approximating comfortable daylight, a person may be awakened from sleep. By increasing the light brightness over a period of ten to fifteen minutes, this wakening is induced in a gradual manner. The idea is to simulate the natural increase of light associated with dawn.

The depth of sleep is reduced as the cycle proceeds, with arousal from sleep being induced at a time which varies according to the rested state of the sleeper.

If precise awakening times are required, audible alarm should be introduced at the end of the lighting cycle.

Arousal from sleep is in a gradual and non alarming manner. It is especially beneficial during winter months when required awakening times are often before the sun rises.

In addition, the control units 2, 11 may include a number of selectable additional functions which may be selected by a user using a switch or switches on the control units 2, 11. For example, (i) after the light intensity has reached the maximum intensity, the control unit 2 may send an output signal 3 to switch the light 5 off and then back on again; (ii) the light intensity may be increased to only a percentage of the maximum intensity; (iii) the control unit may automatically switch the light source off after a further time interval, typically, 30 minutes after the end of the first time interval; (iv) an audible alarm function; (v) the light may be switched on (without a gradual increase in intensity) and the length of time the light stays switched on may be selectable in for example 1/2 hour increments, this may enable the apparatus to also be used as a security light when for example premises are unoccupied; (vi) with the light 5 switched on, a decrease in intensity of the light over a time interval of, for example, 20 minutes may be initiated manually. Preferably, the control units 2, 11 may include all of these options.

Typically, at least options (i) to (iv) may be optionally combined by a user such that, for example, the light intensity may increase over a period of 15 minutes to 50% of the maximum intensity, then switched off and back on again at 50% intensity, an audible alarm sounded and then the light switched off after a further 30 minutes.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Apparatus for waking a person from sleep, the apparatus comprising a clock device, an interface device coupled to the clock device and a light source mounted on a surface of a room in which the person is sleeping, the light source coupled to the interface device, the clock device sending a signal to the interface device at a preset time, and the interface device, in response to the signal from the clock device, increasing the intensity of light emitted by the light source over a time interval, to wake a person from sleep.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source is mounted on a side-wall of the room.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source is mounted on a ceiling of the room.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light source is a pendant light which depends from the ceiling.

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interface device comprises a dimmer device.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the dimmer device comprises a remote control device and a remotely controlled dimmer circuit.

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interface device comprises a dimming cycle controller.

8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clock device is a timer.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the timer is a programmable timer.

10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the time interval is less than approximately 30 minutes.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the time interval is between 5 minutes and 30 minutes.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the time interval is approximately 15 minutes.

13. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interface device, after said time interval has elapsed, switches the light source off and then on again.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, and further comprising a selection device to permit a user to select whether the the interface device switches the light source off and then on again.

15. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interface device, in response to said signal from the clock device, switches the light source off after another time interval, the other time interval being greater than said time interval.

16. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, and further comprising an intensity control device coupled to the interface device to select the intensity of light emitted by the light source at the end of said time interval.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16 when dependent on claim 14, and further comprising a switch device which comprises the intensity control device and the selection device.

18. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, and further comprising an audible alarm device.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the audible alarm device is activated towards or at the end of the time interval.

20. Apparatus for controlling the intensity of a light source comprising a clock device, an interface device having a number of control modes, the interface device being coupled to the clock device, a light source coupled to the interface device, and a selection device coupled to the interface device to select a control mode of the interface device, the clock device sending a signal to the interface device at a preset time, and the interface device in response to the signal from the clock device, controlling the intensity of light emitted by the light source in accordance with the control mode selected by the selection device.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the control modes include increasing the intensity of light emitted by the light source over a time interval.

22. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the intensity of the light emitted at the end of the time interval is variable.

23. Apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the control modes include switching the light on and then off after a predetermined time interval.

24. Apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the time interval is variable.

25. Apparatus for waking a person from sleep substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

25. Apparatus for controlling a light source comprising a clock device, an interface device coupled to the clock device, a remote control device, and a light source, the remote control device coupling the interface device to the light source, and a selection device coupled to the interface device to select a time interval, the clock device sending a signal to the interface device at a preset time, and the interface device in response to the signal from the clock device, switching on the light source for the time interval selected by the selection device and switching the light source off at the end of the time interval.