GB2550126A

GB2550126A - Monitor device and method for modelling and controlling circadian rhythms

Info

Publication number: GB2550126A
Application number: GB1607967.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Siddiqui Fares
Original assignee: Sultan & Knight Ltd
Current assignee: Sultan & Knight Ltd
Priority date: 2016-05-06
Filing date: 2016-05-06
Publication date: 2017-11-15
Also published as: GB201607967D0

Abstract

A monitoring device detects breathing sounds of a user via microphone 18 along with environmental data such as humidity or temperature 20, noise or ambient light 22. Patterns of sleep stages are determined from the breathing sounds, correlation to environmental data being able to help the user to adjust the environment, improving sleep quality. The device may be in the form of a lamp (2, figure 1) on a bedside table, possibly having one or more RGBW LED strips 34, blue LEDs of which may be varied independently of the others because of the link with melatonin levels. The blue light emitted may be in response to the users circadian rhythm using the determined sleep statistics. The monitor may be a smart device wirelessly communicating 16 to a mobile telephone having an app to process the method described, and e.g. a smart thermostat to control temperature settings.

Description

Monitor Device and Method for Modelling

The present invention relates to a monitor device and method of monitoring and/or controlling circadian rhythms. In embodiments the invention relates to a monitor device for modelling and influencing the circadian rhythm of a user.

Difficulties in falling asleep at night, getting up in the morning, getting the recommended hours of sleep each night and sleeping well enough to be fully alert during the day are common problems for teenagers and adults.

Sleeping patterns are regulated by the circadian rhythm, the roughly 24-hour cycle of many various internal biological systems. Circadian rhythms include cycles of sleeping, eating, body temperature and hormone production. Circadian rhythms are responsible for the promotion or inhibition of the release of melatonin, the hormone that causes drowsiness and puts the body in the right condition for sleep. While circadian rhythms are affected by a number of various external cues, the factor which influences circadian rhythms the most is light.

The production of melatonin increases in the evening in preparation for sleeping, generally under dim light conditions at a point known as dim light melatonin onset (DLMO). Short wavelength light, primarily blue light, is known to be the most effective inhibitor of the production of melatonin and thus can heavily influence circadian rhythms. Exposure to blue light in the evening can delay DLMO and interrupt sleep patterns and the circadian rhythm.

For somebody experiencing sleeping problems, it can be advantageous to monitor and track patterns of sleeping stages and sleep duration in order to model their circadian rhythm. Sleep can be generally divided into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, during which the brain is most active and muscles are paralysed, and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which includes light sleep and deep sleep. A person tends to cycle between the sleep stages several times throughout the night. By tracking sleep patterns and combining this with other biological markers such as body temperature and actimetry, a person’s circadian rhythm can be modelled and the model used to determine when and how much blue light should be received. US-A-2016/0015315 discloses a system to monitor and assist a user’s sleep, comprising a bedside device positioned near the user’s bed. The bedside device comprises a light source, a microphone and environmental sensors. The user’s sleep is monitored by a sensing unit positioned in the user’s bed which senses changes in pressure as the user moves in bed. The microphone is used to detect movement, ambient noises that may disrupt a user’s sleep, and irregularities in breathing that may indicate stress or sleep disorders. WO-A-2016/045376 discloses a smart lighting device with a human detection module and a microphone module. The microphone detects audio signals such as voice commands and does not need to be in an energy-consuming monitor mode when there is nobody nearby to provide a voice command. The human detection module allows the microphone to start actively monitoring for audio signals only when a person is in the surrounding area. US-A-2012/0209358 discloses the use of light for influencing a state of a user, including using blue light to modify melatonin levels. The blue spectrum of a light source is modified with a blue/yellow dichroic filter. A light controller of a lighting system may by controlled by an analysis engine receiving inputs regarding environmental and physiological factors. The light provided by the lighting system may consequently be adapted based upon the received factors. WO-A-2015/006364 discloses a system for promoting sleep. The system may monitor the user’s sleeping and breathing patterns and environment conditions.

Breathing is monitored to allow the system to encourage the user to slow their breathing to relax and fall asleep. Calming music can be played in response to the user’s breathing patterns.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smart device connectable to a mobile electronic device, the smart device comprising a microphone to detect breathing in the vicinity of the monitor, e.g. at a maximum distance of 1 metre, wherein breathing patterns during sleep can be determined from the microphone signals, and one or more environmental sensors to sense environmental data and enable correlation of patterns of sleep stages determined from the breathing patterns.

The frequency, depth and regularity of breathing can indicate if a person is asleep and, if so, which stage of sleeping they are in. During REM sleep, breathing tends to be faster, shallower and more irregular than during NREM sleep or when a person is awake. NREM sleep can be characterised by breathing that is slower and deeper than REM and wakeful breathing. Patterns of sleep stages can indicate the quality and duration of sleep and correlation to environmental data can help a user to adjust their environment to improve their quality of sleep.

In one example, the smart device is enabled to transmit data from the microphone and one or more environmental sensors to the mobile electronic device.

The correlation is therefore enabled to be performed and displayed on the mobile electronic device.

In one example, the environmental data comprises at least one of ambient temperature, ambient humidity and ambient light. These environmental factors can affect a person’s quality of sleep. Too high and too low temperatures and humidity levels can result in a poor quality of sleep and ambient light that is too high or appears suddenly can also interrupt sleep. By tracking this data, a user is able determine what needs to be changed in their environment to get a better quality of sleep.

In one example, the smart device comprises a rechargeable battery. In one example the rechargeable battery is rechargeable via a connection to at least one of mains power via an AC adaptor and a computer.

In one example, the smart device comprises a light source and, in another example, the light source comprises one or more RGBW LED strips. Thus the smart device is operable as both a sleep monitor and a lamp. The smart device does not have to be an extra object taking up more space on a bedside table and can instead replace a lamp. The incorporation of a light source provides the smart device with more functionality, particularly in view of modelling and influencing the circadian rhythm. RGBW LED strips provide energy efficient light with a high colour mixing ability.

Light produced by the smart device is enabled to reset circadian rhythms by varying the colour temperature, illuminance, time of use and duration of use. The smart device may therefore produce biologically effective lighting for various functions, including preparing to sleep, waking up, working and relaxing, and additionally by collecting ambient light data.

In one example, the luminous flux of the blue LEDs can be varied independently of the luminous flux of the red, green and white LEDs. This enables the circadian rhythm to be influenced effectively due to blue light being the biggest influencer of melatonin production. The amount of blue light can be increased or decreased according to the needs of the user.

In one example, the smart device comprises an orientation sensor. The user can therefore be advised on how best to angle the device to get the most benefit out of the light.

In one example, the smart device further comprises a head and a neck, in another example the light source and rechargeable battery are located in the head and in yet a further example, the neck is detachably coupled to the head via magnetic force. The smart device can therefore be easily disassembled and assembled for portability and the head may be used as a light source on its own, since it may house both the light source and the battery.

In one example, the neck comprises a flexible gooseneck shaft. A user has the ability to position the light as best suits its purpose.

In one example, the head can be mounted on a wall via magnetic attachment to one or more pads or strips that are adherable to a wall. This provides more functionality in the use of the head on its own. As well as a portable lamp, the head may be used as a wall lamp while not being permanently fixed to a wall.

In one example, the smart device further comprises a clamp, in another example the clamp is a C-clamp or a spring clamp and in yet a further example, the clamp is detachably coupled to the neck via magnetic force. The clamps allow the smart device to be positioned in a wide range of places and used even if a desk or bedside table has no free space on its surface to place the lamp.

In one example, the smart device further comprises a base and, in another example, the base is detachably coupled to the neck via magnetic force. The base provides a way for the smart device to stand on a surface without being clamped and is detachable for portability.

In one example, the base comprises a receptacle for connecting a charging cable and, in another example, the point of contact between the base and the neck comprises a plurality of electrical contacts and the point of contact between the head and the neck comprises a plurality of electrical contacts, such that a plurality of electrical paths are created between the head and the base. The base is therefore enabled to act as a charging dock to allow the battery in the head to be conveniently recharged without cables trailing down when the head, neck and base are in an assembled configuration.

In one example, the bottom surface of the base comprises a microsuction material. This allows the base to adhere to a surface without damaging the surface and leaving residue and means that the base does not have to be heavy in order to offset the weight of the neck and head when in an assembled configuration.

In one example, the smart device further comprises a motion sensor. The motion sensor enables the smart device to perform actions when a person moves or approaches the device.

In one example, the motion sensor is suitable for detecting when a person rises from bed during a pre-determined sleeping period. This enables the smart device to provide automatic assistance to the user who may not be fully awake.

In one example, the light source illuminates its surroundings at less than 50 lux upon detection by the motion sensor of a person rising from bed during a pre-determined sleeping period. Turning the light on allows the user to see during the night and limiting the luminous flux of the light to provide illuminance less than 50 lux means the user will be able to get back to sleep more easily than if a brighter light were provided.

In one example, the orientation sensor determines the orientation of the head. With the light source located in the head, the orientation sensor can output the orientation of the light.

In one example, the software application on the mobile device uses the orientation data output by the orientation sensor to determine if the inclination of the head from the horizontal plane is within a pre-determined range of inclinations and inform the user if it is not. This enables the user to tilt the head so that the light is radiating at an optimal angle to avid glare or shadow. The orientation sensor may be calibrated to suit the user’s needs.

In one example, the sensor for detecting orientation is an accelerometer. Accelerometers can have high sensitivities and further applications beyond detecting orientation, such as also detecting shock and coordinate acceleration.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a monitor device according to the first aspect of the present invention, and a processor to receive data from the monitor device and, from the received data, correlate patterns of sleep stages with the environmental data.

Preferably the processor is provided as part of a mobile telephone such as a smartphone. The smartphone preferably has an App stored on it and it is the App that is able to process the received data and provide the various functions described herein such as correlation of environmental data with sleep patterns and control of a light output based thereon. In other embodiments, the processor could be a part of any suitable computing device such as a tablet, a PC or a server in the cloud.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for modelling, the method comprising detecting breathing sounds of a user and determining breathing patterns, collecting environmental data, determining patterns of sleep stages of the user from the breathing sounds, and correlating the environmental data to the patterns of sleep stages.

In one example, the method further comprises varying the output of light based on the determined patterns of sleep stages.

In one example, the environmental data comprises at least one of ambient temperature, ambient humidity and ambient light.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a portable smart lamp in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic circuit board layout for use in the lamp of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a method of using the lamp of Figure 1.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the smart device is provided in the form of a portable lamp 2, as shown in Figure 1. The portable lamp 2 comprises a head 4, a neck 6 and a base 8. The smart device may also be referred to as a monitor device, since in use it serves to monitor various parameters associated with a user’s environment and also a user’s breathing.

The neck 6 comprises a cylindrical gooseneck shaft 10 to enable flexibility in the positioning of the head 4 with respect to the base 10. The neck 6 has magnetic connectors at its ends and is magnetically connected to the head 4 and the base 8 to allow quick and easy assembly and disassembly for portability. The portable lamp 2 may be disassembled and carried as individual head 4, neck 6 and base 8 components in a handbag or briefcase, for example.

The underside 12 of the base 8 is preferably coated with a microsuction material to prevent the lamp falling over. The microsuction material reduces the anchoring effect required from the weight of the base and allows the base 8 to have a lighter weight compared to the head 4 and neck 6. The base 8 may also function as a wireless charging pad for induction charging of electronic devices such as smartphones.

The portable lamp 2 may comprise a plastic, wooden, or metallic finish and be multi-functional for a variety of purposes and locations, for example for use on a work desk, on a bedside table and as a wall lamp. The base may be replaced with various clamps that are also connectable to the neck via magnets. A C-clamp or a jaw clamp may be attached to the neck 6 for easy attachment to various objects, such as the edge of a table, back of a chair or side of a headboard.

The circuit shown schematically in Figure 2 is preferably housed within the head of the portable lamp 2. The circuit is shown to have a separate Power Board 17 and Main Control Board 19, however the circuit may be implemented on a single board which incorporates both sections. Features of the portable lamp 2 will now be described with reference to Figure 2.

The portable lamp 2 is provided with a microphone 18 that is suitable for detecting the sound of a person breathing when the lamp 2 is placed next to them while they are sleeping, for example on a bedside table. Generally while a person is sleeping, the loudest persistent noise in the room will be their breathing. Movement by the person in their sleep may momentarily cover breathing sounds, however the sound of movement in bed is generally distinguishable from breathing and is likely to occur intermittently and infrequently. Noise created by movement will be minimised during REM sleep due to the normal muscle paralysis that occurs during this stage of sleep. The microphone is controllable to collect the sound of a user breathing for an extended period of time, such as at least 6 hours or more preferably at least 8, 10 or 12 hours.

The controller 14 is enabled to wirelessly transmit the audio signals from the microphone 18 to a mobile electronic device via the wireless communication module 16. Wireless communication module 16 facilitates a connection between the smart device and a mobile electronic device through at least one of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Wi-Fi. The audio signals are analysed by software on the mobile electronic device to remove noise and anomalous readings and extract breathing patterns during sleep, including factors such as the frequency and depth of breaths and the regularity of the patterns. As explained above, typically the mobile electronic device will be a smart phone. However, instead of running on a smart phone the software could be arranged to run on or written for any suitable computing device such as a tablet, a PC or a server in the cloud.

Once the breathing patterns have been extracted, software on the mobile electronic device matches sleep stages to various features of the breathing patterns in order to determine corresponding sleep statistic such as patterns of sleep stages and the total duration of sleep. These sleep statistics are stored by the mobile electronic device and may be displayed to a user on the mobile electronic device in various ways, such as graphically, numerically or pictorially.

The sleep statistics may be used in combination with other data including biological markers such as body temperature, heart rate and actimetry for modelling the circadian rhythm of a user and determining how external factors such as jet lag and shift work are affecting the circadian rhythm. Further biological markers may be obtained using third-party devices such activity trackers, including the Apple iWatch, and Fitbit and Jawbone activity tracking bands. Alternatively, data including biological markers may be manually input to the software on the mobile electronic device by the user.

The sleep statistics and other collected data may be supplied to software such as the Circadian Performance Simulation Software (CPSS) from the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School in order to model the user’s circadian rhythm.

The microphone 18 may also be used to monitor ambient noise that may disturb the sleep of a user. Ambient noise can be correlated with the pattern of sleep stages or duration of sleep to help a user understand if ambient noise is affecting their quality of sleep. A humidity and temperature sensor 20 is provided to measure the ambient temperature and humidity of the room in which the portable lamp 2 is placed. In another embodiment, separate sensors for each of temperature and humidity are provided. In yet another embodiment, a sensor is provided to detect just one of temperature and humidity.

Ambient temperature and humidity are important factors to measure as they can influence quality of sleep. The optimal temperature for sleep is around 18°C - a room that is too warm may interfere with the body’s natural cooling process during sleep which may result in a poorer quality of sleep. The environmental sensors are controllable to collect environmental data for an extended period of time, such as at least 6 hours or more preferably at least 8, 10 or 12 hours.

Software on the mobile electronic device is enabled to correlate the temperature and humidity data with the sleep statistics in order to determine relationships between them. The temperature and humidity statistics and the correlation with the sleep statistics are stored by the mobile electronic device and may be displayed to a user on the mobile electronic device in various ways, such as graphically, numerically or pictorially. The correlation between temperature and humidity and sleep patterns or duration of sleep helps a user to determine their precise optimal conditions for sleeping.

The temperature and humidity readings may be taken throughout a predetermined sleeping period or less frequently, for example just once at the beginning of the sleeping period or both at the beginning and end of the sleeping period. If multiple temperature and humidity readings are taken, sleep statistics such as total duration of sleep, duration of REM sleep and duration of non-REM sleep may be correlated with an average temperature and an average humidity. Alternatively, multiple temperature and humidity readings may be correlated with the pattern of sleep stages through a period of sleeping.

Understanding the relationship between sleep and environmental factors enables a user to modify their environment in order to allow them to sleep better. Software on the mobile device may do this automatically. Once enough data had been collected to learn the optimal sleeping conditions, for example at least one week of data, the software is able to advise the user on how to get the best night’s sleep. If the temperature sensors detect a temperature that is above than the determined optimal sleeping temperature range, a notification may be issued on the mobile device, advising the user of the high temperature and/or suggesting that the user opens a window in order to lower the ambient temperature.

In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device is able to remotely control the temperature settings of a smart thermostat, such as Nest. In preparation for sleep, the mobile electronic device can adjust the temperature setting of the thermostat automatically in response to temperature readings from the temperature and humidity sensor 20 of the portable lamp 2 and previous data collected about a person’s optimal sleeping temperature.

The optimal sleeping conditions and advice will become more accurate and useful the longer the smart device is used and collects more data. If there are limited amounts of data available, for example when the smart device is first being used for sleep monitoring, the software may estimate optimal conditions for the user using average sleep data collected from other similar users, or using sleep data generated in sleep laboratories.

The portable lamp 2 includes a light source that preferably comprises at least one RGBW LED strip 34. LED bulbs are advantageous due to their small size and high efficiency compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs. The RGBW LED strip 34 allows the lamp 2 to produce light of a wide range of colours by mixing varying amounts of red, green, blue and white light. The RGBW LED strip 34 may be analogue or digital; analogue strips allow control over the colour of the whole LED strip, whereas digital LED strips allow control over the colour of each individual LED.

The RGBW LED strip 34 includes a controller enabled to vary the luminous flux of each LED individually, thus being enabled to vary the amount of red, green, blue and white light that comprise the total light emitted from the light source. Varying the luminous flux includes switching the LEDs on and off.

The luminous flux of a light source is the power emitted over visible wavelengths, taking into account the sensitivity of the human eye. The luminous fluxes of the LEDs determine the illuminance provided by the portable lamp. High illuminance of blue light can inhibit the production of melatonin and decrease drowsiness.

The luminous flux of the blue LEDs may be reduced to promote melatonin production, for example to prepare for bed in the evening. To make up for the reduction in overall luminous flux, the red LEDs may be increased in luminous flux. Alternatively, the luminous flux of the red and green LEDs may stay at a default intermediate level or also be reduced to provide a low level of illuminance.

Another example of varying the luminous fluxes of the LEDs may be to increase the amount of blue light in the morning to increase the natural morning melatonin inhibition in order to feel more alert. When the luminous flux of the blue LEDs is increased, the luminous fluxes of the red and green LEDs may also be increased to provide higher illuminance, or they may be decreased to provide the same overall illuminance. Alternatively the red and green LEDs may stay at an intermediate level.

The LED controller may vary the luminous flux in response to an action by the user at the portable lamp 2, for example operating a switch or turning a dial. In another embodiment, the controller may vary the luminous flux automatically according to the time of day or a pre-determined schedule.

The amount of blue light emitted by the LED strip may be in response to the user’s circadian rhythm that has been modelled using the determined sleep statistics in combination with further biological markers such as heart rate, body temperature and actimetry that may be detected using third-party devices such as activity trackers or manually input by the user. For example, if a user is jet lagged, the presence or absence of blue light can be used to influence their circadian rhythm to return to a more normal state.

The variable lighting from the RGBW LED strip 34 can use brighter and bluer light to inhibit melatonin production and increase alertness. This can help a user wake up more naturally (by producing the correlated colour temperature (CCT) of daylight), reduce sleep inertia, reduce the time taken to get out of bed, boost mood, boost work productivity by increasing alertness, treat advanced sleep phase disorder and overcome the post-lunch dip.

The variable lighting from the RGBW LED strip 34 can also use dimmer and redder light to promote melatonin production and increase drowsiness. This can help a user to fall asleep, reduce eye strain (associated with blue light from computer screens, for example) and treat delayed sleep phase disorder.

The variable lighting from the RGBW LED strip 34 is further enabled to provide a mix of CCTs and illuminances according to a schedule which can help a user to overcome jet lag and treat shift work sleep disorder by realigning circadian rhythms with exposure to melatonin-promoting and inhibiting light.

An RGB light sensor 22 is also provided to detect the illuminance and CCT of ambient light. The ambient light recorded throughout a sleeping period may be correlated with sleep statistics to help determine whether a person’s quality of sleep is being affected by the light in the room. The ambient light during waking hours may be measured and compared to the user’s circadian rhythm in order to determine if the blue light levels are too high or low for the time of day.

The luminous flux of the LEDs may be varied in response to the reading from the light sensor, alone or in combination with other factors, such as the current function of the smart device. For example, if the light sensor detects low ambient lighting in the morning, the smart device may produce bluer light of a high illuminance to increase the alertness of the user; however if low ambient lighting is detected in the evening, the smart device may produce redder light of a low illuminance so as not to dazzle the eyes of the user or reduce drowsiness. However, as an example of varying the LED output according to both ambient light and function, using the smart device as a reading lamp in low light in the evening may require a higher illuminance than would be indicated by the light sensor alone. The function of the smart device may be chosen, for example, through a software application on a mobile device, as will be described below.

The lamp 2 may be optionally provided with a motion sensor 26. The luminous flux can be varied alternatively or additionally in response to motion detected by the motion sensor 26. If a user is in bed with the smart device switched off such that no light is emitted from the light source and the motion sensor detects the movement of the user sitting or standing up, the controller may then cause the light source to emit a dim red light that will provide the user with enough illumination to perform various activities such as get up to go to the toilet or drink a glass of water. The low luminous flux and low blue light content of the light minimises the extent to which the light inhibits melatonin production and reduces the drowsiness of the user so that the user can easily go back to sleep.

If the light source is not off while the user is in bed but is instead at a dim setting, for example for use as a night light, the motion sensor detecting movement of the user may cause the controller to increase the luminous flux of the light so that the user can see around the room better.

An orientation sensor in the form of an accelerometer 24 is provided within the head 4 of the portable lamp 2 to aid the user in finding an optimal orientation for its use. In an embodiment where light is emitted from a single substantially flat plane, the optimum inclination of the light-emitting plane during use is between about 45° and 90° from the horizontal plane. If the accelerometer detects that the inclination of the head 4 is outside the optimum range, the user may be informed, preferably through a notification on a mobile electronic device.

The circuit diagram shows that the lamp 2 is provided with a rechargeable battery 28 and a micro USB connection 30. The battery 28 can be recharged through a connection via a micro USB cable to a power source such as a computer, or directly to mains power through an AC adaptor. The battery 28 is housed within the head 4 of the lamp 2. The external receptacle for a micro USB cable is located within the base 8 of the lamp 2. The neck 6 provides electrical paths between the battery 28 in the head 4 and a micro USB cable connected to the base 8. Electrical connections are formed between the lower end of the neck 6 and the base 8 through flush pin contacts on the magnetic connectors when the neck 6 is magnetically attached to the base 8. Electrical connections are formed between the lower end of the neck 6 and the head 4 through flush pin contacts on the magnetic connectors when the neck 6 is magnetically attached to the head 4.

The battery 28 in the head 4 may therefore be charged while connected to the neck 6 and base 8, and then the head 4 can be disconnected from the neck 6 and used as a lamp on its own. The head 4 is wall mountable via magnetic attachment to pads or strips that are adhered to a wall.

Figure 2 shows a physical ON/OFF switch 32. Further switches and dials may also be provided within the circuit to perform various functions, such as dimming the light provided by the RGBW LED strip 34 or turning the microphone 18 on or off.

The portable lamp 2 is optionally further provided with a wireless charging pad 36 and/or a USB A female connection 38 for charging devices such as a smartphones or tablets.

Methods of using the smart device of the present invention in combination with a mobile electronic device will now be described with reference to Figure 3.

Application software is provided on the mobile electronic device to allow a user to control and configure the smart device. Upon opening the application 40, the user may want to configure the smart device for a specific event. Events may include preparing to sleep, sleeping, waking up, concentrating, relaxing and reading. The smart device is enabled to respond to different events by producing light of different luminous flux or blue light content, or by switching the light off and preparing to detect breathing sounds in the case of the sleep event. Typically, forevents which require attention or concentration, brighter and bluer light will be provided; for events which involve relaxing or preparing to sleep, dimmer and less blue light will be provided.

The application allows the user to choose between selecting from pre-configured events and creating a new custom event 42. A pre-configured event is one that was built-in to the application or previously created by the user.

If the user chooses to select from pre-configured events they are presented with a list of pre-configured events to choose from 44. After selecting the pre-configured event, the user inputs the time duration for the chosen event 46. For example, the user may desire a period of 60 minutes in which to prepare for sleeping, or 20 minutes in which to wake up and get out of bed.

Next, the application communicates with the smart device to extract environmental data 48, such as ambient temperature, humidity, light and noise, collected by environmental sensors of the smart device. The inclination of the lamp head 4 may also be extracted from the orientation sensor of the smart device.

If the sleep event has been chosen, the user can input the intended sleeping start and end times 50.

The application supplies the extracted data to a machine learning algorithm 52 which uses the previous behaviour and preferences of the user to determine an appropriate CCT and luminous flux of light for the chosen event and convert these into RGBW values 54. Light at higher CCTs contain higher proportions of blue light. The RGBW values 54 are wirelessly transmitted from the mobile electronic device to the smart device 56 to enable the LEDs in the RGBW LED strip to provide the corresponding luminous fluxes.

The application performs a check of the inclination of the lamp head 58. If the inclination is outside the recommended range, the application will notify the user and advise the user to adjust the lamp head or re-calibrate the orientation sensor 60.

If the user chooses to create a new custom event, instead of choosing to select from pre-configured events 42, the process is initiated to create a new custom event 62. The user selects between starting the new event immediately following its creation and setting the new event to a timer 64.

If the event is to begin immediately 64, the user inputs a name for the event 66 and then selects a CCT 68 and a luminous emittance 70 for the light to be produced.

The application then allows the user to set up gradually changing light conditions by specifying incrementing and decrementing behaviour of the corresponding RGBW values 72.

The user can save their newly created event 74 to be stored by the application on the mobile electronic device and to update a machine learning algorithm which learns data patterns from environmental sensors for each new saved event 76.

If the user instead chooses to set the new event to a timer 64, the user inputs a name for the event 78 and then sets start and end times for the event and a time step 80. Inputting a time step allows the user to specify how frequently the CCT and/or luminous flux of the light changes, for example to gradually dim the light in preparation for sleeping. The application then allows the user to decide how to input their desired lighting conditions 82. The user is able to either manually input the RGBW values for the LED strip 72 or use a dimmer switch or slider provided by user interface of the application to choose the CCT and luminous emittance 84. Both input methods allow the user to set up gradually changing light conditions by specifying initial and final RGBW or CCT and luminous emittance values. Incrementing and decrementing behaviour can also be set for the RGBW values.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the examples illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A monitor device connectable to a mobile electronic device, the monitor device being for monitoring a user, and comprising: a microphone to detect breathing of the user in the vicinity of the monitor device, and enable determination therefrom of the breathing patterns during the user’s sleep; and one or more environmental sensors to sense environmental data and enable correlation of patterns of sleep stages determined from the determined breathing patterns with the environmental data.

2. The monitor device according to claim 1, comprising a transmitter to transmit data from the microphone and one or more environmental sensors to the mobile electronic device.

3. The monitor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the environmental data comprises at least one of ambient temperature, ambient humidity and ambient light.

4. The monitor device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a rechargeable battery.

5. The monitor device according to claim 4, wherein the rechargeable battery is rechargeable via a connection to at least one of mains power via an AC adaptor and a computer.

6. The monitor device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a light source.

7. The monitor device according to claim 6, wherein the light source comprises one or more RGBW LED strips.

8. The monitor device according to claim 7, wherein the luminous flux of the blue LEDs can be varied independently of the luminous flux of the red, green and white LEDs.

9. The monitor device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an orientation sensor.

10. The monitor device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a head and a neck.

11. The monitor device according to claim 10, wherein the light source and rechargeable battery are located in the head.

12. The monitor device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the neck is detachably coupled to the head via magnetic force.

13. The monitor device according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the neck comprises a flexible gooseneck shaft.

14. The monitor device according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the head can be mounted on a wall via magnetic attachment to one or more pads or strips that are adherable to a wall.

15. The monitor device according to any of claims 10 to 14, further comprising a clamp.

16. The monitor device according to claim 15, wherein the clamp is a C-clamp or a spring clamp.

17. The monitor device according to claims 15 or 16 wherein the clamp is detachably coupled to the neck via magnetic force.

18. The monitor device according to any of claims 10 to 17, further comprising a base.

19. The monitor device according to claim 18, wherein the base is detachably coupled to the neck via magnetic force.

20. The monitor device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the base comprises a receptacle for connecting a charging cable.

21. The monitor device according to claim 20, wherein the point of contact between the base and the neck comprises a plurality of electrical contacts and the point of contact between the head and the neck comprises a plurality of electrical contacts, such that a plurality of electrical paths are created between the head and the base.

22. The monitor device according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the bottom surface of the base comprises a microsuction material.

23. The monitor device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a motion sensor.

24. The monitor device according to claim 23, wherein the motion sensor is suitable for detecting when a person rises from bed during a pre-determined sleeping period.

25. The monitor device according to claim 24, wherein the light source illuminates its surroundings at less than 50 lux upon detection by the motion sensor of a person rising from bed during a pre-determined sleeping period.

26. The monitor device according to any of claims 10 to 25, wherein the orientation sensor determines the orientation of the head.

27. The monitor device according to any of claims 10 to 26, wherein the software application on the mobile device uses the orientation data output by the orientation sensor to determine if the inclination of the head from the horizontal plane is within a pre-determined range of inclinations and inform the user if it is not.

28. The monitor device according to claim 27, wherein the sensor for detecting orientation is an accelerometer.

29. The monitor device of any of claims 1 to 28, wherein the microphone and environmental sensors are arranged to gather data substantially continuously over an extended period of time to enable correlation of patterns of sleep stages with environmental data over a period of at least 12 hours.

30. A system comprising a monitor device according to any of claims 1 to 29, and a processor to receive data from the monitor device and, from the received data, correlate patterns of sleep stages with the environmental data.

31. A method for modelling, the method comprising: detecting breathing sounds of a user and determining breathing patterns; collecting environmental data; determining patterns of sleep stages of the user from the breathing sounds; and correlating the environmental data to the patterns of sleep stages.

32. The method of claim 30, further comprising varying the output of light based on the determined patterns of sleep stages.

33. The method of claim 30 or 31, wherein the environmental data comprises at least one of ambient temperature, ambient humidity and ambient light.

34. The method of any of claims 30 to 33, wherein the steps of detecting and collecting are performed over an extended period of time to enable correlation to be performed for a period of at least 8 hours.

35. A monitor device substantially as shown in and/or described with reference to any one or more of Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

36. A method for modelling, the method being substantially as shown in and/or described with reference to any one or more of Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.