WO2012011869A1

WO2012011869A1 - Therapeutic device

Info

Publication number: WO2012011869A1
Application number: PCT/SG2010/000278
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kia Tong Tan; Kian Sitt Victor Ong; Eng Leong Along Lee; Anadi Alain Martel
Original assignee: Osim International Ltd
Priority date: 2010-07-22
Filing date: 2010-07-22
Publication date: 2012-01-26
Also published as: TW201205010A

Abstract

According to one embodiment, there is provided a therapeutic device. The therapeutic device includes: a light emitting unit adapted to emit light of different colours; an air purifier unit; an audio unit adapted to output sound from one of a plurality of sound arrangements, each having different attributes; and a control module. The control module has a plurality of executable stored sequences, wherein in each sequence the speed at which the colour of emitted light from the light emitting unit changes is dependent on the attributes of a respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements, wherein the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements is output by the audio unit and wherein purified air is emitted by the air purifier unit during operation of the light emitting unit.

Description

Therapeutic device

Technical field [0001] Various embodiments relate to a therapeutic device. Background

[0002] There are various air purifying devices that receive surrounding air to cleanse the air and thereafter emit purified air.

[0003] In trying to expand the utility of such devices, improvements have been directed at integrating a light source with the air purifier of air purification devices. A further improvement has devices integrating a light source, an air purifier unit and a speaker to play music, whereby all three components operate simultaneously.

[0004] However, such devices merely have each of their constituent components operating independently of each other, i.e. little effort is directed at ensuring interaction between any of the components as they operate. Thus, at best, the air purifying devices and their improvements present devices which provide limited health benefits when operated.

[0005] It would thus be advantageous to provide a device which provides more than health benefits and enhances the sensory experience while the device is in operation.

Summary

[0006] According to one embodiment, there is provided a therapeutic device. The therapeutic device includes: a light emitting unit adapted to emit light of different colours; an air purifier unit; an audio unit adapted to output sound from one of a plurality of sound arrangements, each having different attributes; and a control module. The control module has a plurality of executable stored sequences, wherein in each sequence the speed at which the colour of emitted light from the light emitting unit changes is dependent on the attributes of a respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements, wherein the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements is output by the audio unit and wherein purified air is emitted by the air purifier unit during operation of the light emitting unit.

[0007] In the context of various embodiments, the term "therapeutic device" means a device, through its operation, that induces desirable and beneficial behavioral and l psychological benefits in users in a non-invasive manner and without the use of ingested chemicals. Various embodiments provide this therapeutic effect through cyclically pulsing light of different intensity and/or color, the pulsed light being accompanied with a suitable sound arrangement (e.g. a song) and purified air. It has been found that many fundamental biological phenomena are related to frequencies in the range of 0.01 Hz and 100Hz, where photic brainwave entrainment studies show that when one is exposed to light pulsations within the frequency range of typical brainwaves (approximately 2Hz to 30Hz), the brain has a tendency to eventually fall in synchronism with the light pulsations. Since different brainwave frequencies are associated to different mind states, it follows that light pulsations can have an influence on mood and state of mind. Further, psychophysiological research shows that various colors are associated with arousing, relaxing, awareness sharpening, or pacifying behavioral effects. It is well established that cool colors (in the green-blue spectrum) have a tendency to stimulate the parasympathetic portion of the autonomous nervous system (ANS), leading to reduced pulse rate and relaxation. Conversely, warm colors (in the red-orange-yellow spectrum) have a tendency to stimulate the sympathetic portion of the ANS, leading to increased pulse rate and arousal. Intermediate colors (lime and magenta) have a tendency to bring balance and equilibrium between both portions of the ANS. Through facilitating the induction of a state of deep relaxation, they can also prove particularly effective in reducing stress levels. With various embodiments combining the cyclical pulsing light of different intensity and/or color with a suitable sound arrangement and purified air provides an enhanced therapeutic experience is facilitated.

[0008] In the context of various embodiments, the term "light emitting unit" means any device that is suitable for emitting light. In various embodiments, the light that is emitted is of different colours. The emitted light has a wavelength range selected from one or more ranges within a visible spectrum, so that the emitted light may have a wavelength range selected from one or more of red colour band, a green colour band or a blue colour band. The different colours of any one or more of red; green; or blue; have respective wavelength ranges are around 620nm to around 750nm; around 495nm to around 570 nm; and around 450nm to around 495 nm.

[0009] In the context of various embodiments, the term "air purifier unit" may mean a device meant to input ambient air, remove impurities from the ambient air and to emit clean air. The air purifier unit may have one or more of the following components: an air input port for intake of ambient air; a plurality of one or more filters that removes fine particles like dust, pollen and mite debris; a deodoriser that removes foul smells; an ultraviolet light source that kills bacteria and viruses; an ioniser to introduce negative ions and an output port that emits cleansed air.

[0010] In the context of various embodiments, the term "audio unit" may mean a device that is adapted to process audio data and produce sound. An example of an audio unit would include a system that has speakers.

[0011] In the context of various embodiments, the term "sound arrangements" may mean audio data that is meant for the audio unit to process and to emit as sound. Sound arrangements are preferable music compositions having a melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic structure. However, sound arrangements are not limited to just music compositions, but could also be a mix of layers of different types of sounds, such as the music compositions, sounds of nature and primordial sounds like womb sounds, human body sounds and sounds from outer space. The plurality of sound arrangements may each have different attributes.

[0012] In the context of various embodiments, the term "attributes" may mean properties or qualities associated with each sound arrangement. Examples of attributes include, but are not limited to, a tempo range, timbre and tone of each sound arrangement. Tempo range may mean the speed or pace of the sound arrangement, usually indicated in beats per minute (bpm), being a certain number of the beats that is played per minute. The greater the tempo, the larger the number of beats that are played in a minute and therefore the faster the sound arrangement. Similarly, the smaller the tempo, the smaller the number of beats that are played in a minute and therefore the slower the sound arrangement. Tempo range may also mean that each segment of a sound arrangement has a respective tempo, so that the entire sound arrangement has a tempo range. However, it is also possible that each sound arrangement only has a single tempo. Timbre refers to tone quality or tone color of each of the sound arrangements. The American Standards Association definition 12.9 describes timbre as "... that attribute of sensation in terms of which a listener can judge that two sounds having the same loudness and pitch are dissimilar", and a note to this definition adds that "timbre depends primarily upon the spectrum of the stimulus, but it also depends upon the waveform, the sound pressure, the frequency location of the spectrum, and the temporal characteristics of the stimulus". Parameters contributing to timbre include, but are not limited to, the spectral envelope of a sound arrangement, a rise and decay time and an amplitude of the sound arrangement. Tone refers to the pitch of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements.

[0013] In the context of various embodiments, the term "control module" may mean a unit that is capable of controlling the light emitting unit, the air purifier unit, the audio unit and other components that the therapeutic device may have. The control module may execute instructions to perform a logic sequence, wherein the instructions may be embedded or programmable by a user. The term "sequence" may have a meaning in the context of computer logic, whereby it refers to implementation of flowcharts of instructions, the flowcharts looping at one or more portions. Sequence may also mean the control module activating one or more components of the therapeutic device, such as the light emitting unit, the air purifier and the audio unit in accordance to one or more modes of operation. The modes of operation may be pre-programmed or programmed by a user and then stored into memory.

[0014] For each of the sequences, there may be a plurality of patterns of coloured light emitted by the light emitting unit. The patterns may be generated in a random manner, so that an emitted light pattern for a first instance of operation of the light emitting unit would unlikely be the same as an emitted light pattern for a second instance of operation of the light emitting unit, the first instance being of a same or different duration as the second instance. Thus, patterns of light emitted by the light emitting unit may be non-monotonous. The speed at which the colour of emitted light changes (i.e. the speed at which each colour, in a light emission pattern, changes; or the duration to which each colour, in a light emission pattern, is displayed) may be dependent on the attributes of a respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements. In the context of various embodiments, the term "dependent" may mean that the pattern of colour of emitted light is determined or conditioned by attributes of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements. The dependency may be such that, within each sequence, a different pattern of emitted light is associated to each particular set of attributes. For instance, during execution of a sequence, a first pattern of coloured light may be emitted by the light emitting unit for a first segment of a sound arrangement, while a second pattern of coloured light (emitted at a speed that is different than the first pattern of coloured light) may display for a second segment of the sound arrangement. The first segment may have a first tempo, while the second segment may have a second tempo. The second tempo may be the same as the first tempo, but the speed at which the second pattern of coloured light is emitted may be different from the speed at which the first pattern of coloured light is emitted due to, for instance, the timbre of the second segment of the sound arrangement being different from the timbre of the first segment of the sound arrangement.

[0015] In various embodiments, the light emitting unit may include a plurality of light emitting elements, the plurality of light emitting elements disposed adjacent to the air purifier unit to surround the air purifier unit. In other embodiments, the plurality of light emitting elements may be arbitrarily located and not necessarily placed adjacent to the air purifier unit. In various embodiments, the light emitting unit includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. In other embodiments, the light emitting unit may be lamps or bulbs, provided with coloured filters (such as a red filter, a green filter or a blue filter) so that the light emitting unit produces light of different colours.

[0016] In various embodiments, each light emitting element of the plurality of light emitting elements may emit light of a colour different than another of the plurality of light emitting elements. Thus, emitted light from the light emitting unit, may be the result of a combination of a portion of the light emitting elements emitting light of a first colour (such as red) and a remaining portion of the light emitting elements emitting light of a second colour (such as blue), resulting in emitted light having a wavelength spectrum made up of two discontinuous wavelength ranges (the emitted light being, in this example, purple in colour). Each light emitting element of the plurality of light emitting elements may emit light having a same colour as another of the plurality of light emitting elements. Each light emitting element of the plurality of light emitting elements may also emit light of a frequency range different than another of the plurality of light emitting elements, the two different frequency ranges being close enough to be perceived as different shades of a same colour.

[0017] In various embodiments, a memory module may be coupled to the control module. The memory module may be adapted to store the plurality of sound arrangements emitted by the audio unit. The memory module may be integral with the control module or provided as a detachable module. In the context of various embodiments, the term "integral" may mean that electronic circuitry for both the memory module and the control module are fabricated on a same semiconductor substrate. "Integral" may also mean an internally provided unit, such as the memory module and the control module each being separate chips, but both provided on a common PCB board. Examples of detachable memory modules would include external memory units, such as memory sticks or an external hard disk, which are removably coupled to the memory module through a suitable interface, such as a USB port.

[0018] In various embodiments, the speed at which the light emitting unit changes the colour of emitted light may have a direct relationship with the tempo range of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements. In the context of various embodiments, the term "direct" may mean that the speed at which the light emitting unit changes the colour of emitted light varies in the same manner as the tempo range of a sound arrangement. The slower the tempo range of a respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements, the slower the colour of emitted light is changed. Similarly, the faster the tempo range of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements, the faster the colour of emitted light is changed.

[0019] In various embodiments, the tempo range of the plurality of sound arrangements includes a first tempo range associated to activate any one of a group of alpha, beta and gamma brainwaves; a second tempo range associated to activate any one of a group of theta, delta and epsilon brainwaves; or a third tempo range associated to activate any one of delta and epsilon brainwaves. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of sound arrangements may have a specific tempo, rather than a tempo range. Alpha, beta, gamma, theta, delta and epsilon brainwaves are electromagnetic oscillations in the following frequency ranges: alpha: 7-13 Hz; beta: 13 - 30 Hz; gamma: 40 - 80 Hz; theta: 3.5 - 7 Hz, delta: 0.5 - 3.5 Hz and epsilon: below 0.5 Hz. It has been found, from electroencephalography (EEG) studies, that in various states of consciousness, brainwave entrainment pulses will exhibit relevant components of alpha, beta, gamma, theta, delta and epsilon brainwaves. It has also been found that alpha, beta, gamma, theta, delta and epsilon brainwaves are responsive to sound arrangement and coloured light that a subject is exposed to. Thus by carefully blending appropriate sounds into a sound arrangement and by emitting a carefully selected pattern of coloured light, various embodiments are able to create various state of consciousness in a user.

[0020] In various embodiments, a first range of time intervals between two succeeding colour changes for the sound arrangement having the first tempo range is less than a second range of time intervals between two succeeding colour changes for the sound arrangement having the third tempo range. A third range of time intervals between two succeeding colour changes for the sound arrangement having the second tempo range has a value between the first range of time intervals and the second range of time intervals.

[0021] In various embodiments, exemplary values for the first, second and third time intervals are as follows. The first range of time intervals may be around 0.05s to around 5s; the second range of time intervals may be around 0.5s to around 10s; and the third range of time intervals may be around 3 s to around 60s. As such, each sound arrangement may be made up of a collection of continuous segments, each having a tempo that may be the same or different from another segment. For each segment, a same colour or different light colours will be emitted. When different light colours are emitted, a range of time intervals between two succeeding or successive light colour changes may be identical or may vary, thereby leading to the speed of light colour change that is constant or varying respectively. As an example, in one embodiment, where a plurality of light emitting elements are used for the light emitting unit, a segment of a sound arrangement may be accompanied by a first portion of the light emitting elements emitting light where the range of time interval between two successive light colour changes is around 15s; while a second portion of the light emitting elements emits light where the range of time intervals between two successive light colour changes is around 2s. It will be appreciated that the range of time intervals between two successive light colour changes for the first portion of the light emitting elements falls within the exemplary third range of time intervals of around 3 s to around 60s, while the time interval between two successive light colour changes for the second portion of the light emitting elements falls within either the exemplary first range of time intervals of around 0.05s to around 5s or the exemplary second range of time intervals of around 0.5s to around 10s.

[0022] In various embodiments, the intensity of the colour of emitted light from the light emitting unit may be variable through the control module.

[0023] In various embodiments, in at least one sequence of the executable stored sequences, the speed at which the colour of emitted light changes matches the tempo range of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements output by the audio unit.

[0024] In various embodiments, the therapeutic device may further include a housing having a portion made from material allowing passage of at least a portion of light, wherein the light emitting unit is disposed within the housing to illuminate the portion made from the material allowing passage of at least a portion of light. In various embodiments, the housing may be made of translucent material so that a surface of the housing opposite to where the light emitting unit is disposed is evenly illuminated by the light emitting unit. In various embodiments, the air purifier, the audio unit and the control module may be disposed within the housing.

[0025] In various embodiments, the therapeutic device may further include a base; and a member detachable from the base, wherein the light emitting unit is attachable to either the base or the member. By attaching the light emitting unit to the member, with the member being attached to the base, the light emitting unit will be further elevated from the base. The light emitting unit may be adapted to be connectable to the base at where the member is detachable from the base.

[0026] In various embodiments, the member may have a docking port adapted to receive a remote control unit for the control module of the therapeutic device. In various embodiments, the docking port may have a light emitting component to facilitate easy location in the dark.

[0027] The docking port may receive the remote control unit through magnetic force. In various embodiments, a magnet may be located at either the docking port or the remote control unit, with a magnetic material (such as iron or another magnet) placed in the other of the docking port or the remote control unit.

[0028] In various embodiments, the base may have an inner portion from which the member is detachable; and an outer portion that receives the inner portion, wherein the outer portion is detachable from the inner portion. With the outer portion attached, the therapeutic device has the advantage of being less susceptible to toppling over.

[0029] In various embodiments, a remote control unit may be provided, that sends control signals to the control module. The remote control unit may be provided with a plurality of switches, wherein one of the plurality of switches is configured to have the control module select one of the plurality of stored sequences. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of stored sequences is assigned a switch, amongst the plurality of switches on the remote control unit, to have the control module select the respective stored sequence. Another of the plurality of switches may be configured to have the control module adjust the intensity at which the light emitting unit emits coloured light. Another of the plurality of switches may be configured to change the volume of the output of the audio unit. [0030] In various embodiments, there is provided a therapeutic device. The therapeutic device includes: a light emitting unit adapted to emit light of different colours; an air purifier unit; and a control module having a plurality of executable stored sequences, wherein in each sequence the speed at which the colour of emitted light changes varies.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0031] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic of a therapeutic device according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 is a wavelength spectrum of emitted light.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a portion of a therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment.

[0035] Figures 4A and 4B each show a perspective view of a therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a base of the therapeutic device of Figures 4 A and 4B.

[0037] Figure 6 shows another perspective view of the therapeutic device of Figures 4A and 4B.

[0038] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the docking port of the therapeutic device of Figures 4 A and 4B.

[0039] Figure 8 is a block diagram representing sequence flow of a program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9 is a block diagram representing sequence flow of a power off sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 10 is a block diagram representing sequence flow of a timeout sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figure 11 is a block diagram representing sequence flow of an operation sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment. [0043] Figure 12 is a block diagram representing a fan speed selection sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 13 is a block diagram representing a light selection sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 14 is a block diagram representing a timer selection sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment.

[0046] Figure 15 is a block diagram representing a sleep sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment.

[0047] Figure 16 is a block diagram representing a waking up and snooze functions program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment.

[0048] Figure 17 is a block diagram showing a schematic of a system that may be used to control a light emitting unit of various embodiments.

[0049] Figure 18 shows Color Scaling functions.

[0050] Figure 19 shows an example of three Color Scaling functions.

Detailed Description

[0051] While various embodiments have been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims. The scope is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced. It will be appreciated that common numerals, used in the relevant drawings, refer to components that serve a similar or the same purpose.

[0052] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic of a therapeutic device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0053] The therapeutic device 100 has a light emitting unit 102, an air purifier unit 104, an audio unit 106, a control module 108 and a memory module 1 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the control module 108 is in electrical communication with the light emitting unit 102, the air purifier unit 104, the audio unit 106 and the memory module 1 10. The electrical communication may be achieved via a wireless connection or through a wired connection. Further, while not shown in Figure 1, direct electrical communication may also be present between either of the light emitting unit 102, the air purifier unit 104, the audio unit 106 or the memory module 1 10.

[0054] The light emitting unit 102 is adapted to emit light of different colours. The emitted light has a wavelength range selected from one or more ranges within a visible spectrum, so that the emitted light may have a wavelength range selected from one or more of red colour band, a green colour band or a blue colour band. The different colours of any one or more of red; green; or blue; have respective wavelength ranges are around 620nm to around 750nm; around 495nm to around 570 nm; and around 450nm to around 495 nm. The light emitting unit 102 may have a plurality of light emitting elements. Each light emitting element may be a light emitting diode of any of the red, green or blue variety. Alternatively, each light emitting element may be a lamp or a bulb, provided with coloured filters (such as a red filter, a green filter or a blue filter) so that the light emitting unit produces light of different colours. Thus, each light emitting element may emit light of a colour different than another light emitting element. Referring to Figure 2 (which shows a plot of light intensity I against wavelength λ), emitted light from the light emitting unit 102 may therefore be the result of a combination of a portion of the light emitting elements emitting light of a first colour 202 (such as red) and another portion of the light emitting elements emitting light of a second colour 204 (such as blue), resulting in emitted light having a wavelength spectrum 200 made up of two discontinuous wavelength ranges (the emitted light being, in this example, purple in colour). Each light emitting element of the plurality of light emitting elements may also emit light having a same colour as another of the plurality of light emitting elements. Each light emitting element may also emit light of a frequency range different than another of the plurality of light emitting elements, the two different frequency ranges being close enough to be perceived as different shades of a same colour.

[0055] Returning to Figure 1, the air purifier unit 104 is adapted to emit purified air. The air purifier unit 104 inputs ambient air, removes impurities from the ambient air and emits clean air. The air purifier unit 104 may have one or more of the following components (not shown): an air input port for intake of ambient air; a plurality of one or more filters that removes fine particles like dust, pollen and mite debris; a deodoriser that removes foul smells; an ultraviolet light source that kills bacteria and viruses; an ioniser to introduce negative ions and an output port that emits cleansed air. [0056] The audio unit 106 is adapted to output sound from one of a plurality of sound arrangements, each having different attributes. Sound arrangements are audio data that is meant for the audio unit 106 to process and to emit as sound. Sound arrangements are preferable music compositions having a melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic structure. However, sound arrangements are not limited to just music compositions, but could also be a mix of layers of different types of sounds, such as the music compositions, sounds of nature and primordial sounds like womb sounds, human body sounds and sounds from outer space.

[0057] The plurality of sound arrangements may each have different attributes. The audio unit 106 is adapted to process audio data and produce sound. Examples of attributes include, but are not limited to, a tempo range, timbre and tone of each sound arrangement. An explanation of the terms "tempo range" and "timbre and tone" are provided in the paragraphs below under respective headings.

Tempo range of sound arrangement

[0058] Tempo range may mean the speed or pace of the sound arrangement, usually indicated in beats per minute (bpm), being a certain number of the beats that is played per minute. The greater the tempo, the larger the number of beats that are played in a minute and therefore the faster the sound arrangement. Similarly, the smaller the tempo, the smaller the number of beats that are played in a minute and therefore the slower the sound arrangement. Tempo range may also mean that each segment of a sound arrangement has a respective tempo, so that the entire sound arrangement has a tempo range. However, it is also possible that each sound arrangement only has a single tempo.

[0059] The tempo range of the plurality of sound arrangements includes a first tempo range associated to activate any one of a group of alpha, beta and gamma brainwaves; a second tempo range associated to activate any one of a group of theta, delta and epsilon brainwaves; or a third tempo range associated to activate any one of delta and epsilon brainwaves. Each of the plurality of sound arrangements may have a specific tempo, rather than a tempo range. Alpha, beta, gamma, theta, delta and epsilon brainwaves are electromagnetic oscillations in the following frequency ranges: alpha: 7-13 Hz; beta: 13 - 30 Hz; gamma: 40 - 80 Hz; theta: 3.5 - 7 Hz, delta: 0.5 - 3.5 Hz and epsilon: below 0.5 Hz.

[0060] A first range of time intervals between two succeeding colour changes for the sound arrangement having the first tempo range may be less than a third range of time intervals between two succeeding colour changes for the sound arrangement having the third tempo range. A second range of time intervals between two succeeding colour changes for the sound arrangement having the second tempo range has a value between the first range of time intervals and the third range of time intervals.

[0061] Exemplary values for the first, second and third time intervals are as follows. The first range of time intervals may be around 0.05s to around 5s; the second range of time intervals may be around 0.5s to around 10s; and the third range of time intervals may be around 3 s to around 60s. As such, each sound arrangement may be made up of a collection of continuous segments, each having a tempo that may be the same or different from another segment. For each segment, a same colour or different light colours may be emitted. When different light colours are emitted, a range of time intervals between two succeeding or successive light colour changes may be identical or may vary, thereby leading to the speed of light colour change that is constant or varying respectively.

Timbre and tone of sound arrangement

[0062] Timbre refers to tone quality or tone color of each of the sound arrangements. Parameters contributing to timbre include, but are not limited to, the spectral envelope of a sound arrangement, a rise and decay time and an amplitude of the sound arrangement. Tone refers to the pitch of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements.

[0063] Returning to Figure 1, the control module 108 is capable of controlling the light emitting unit 102, the air purifier unit 104, the audio unit 106 and other components that the therapeutic device 100 may have.

[0064] The control module 108 has a plurality of executable stored sequences, pre- programmed or programmable by a user. In each sequence, the control module 108 may activate one or more components of the therapeutic device 100, such as the light emitting unit 102, the air purifier unit 104 and the audio unit 106 in accordance to one or more modes of operation. The modes of operation may be pre-programmed or programmed by a user and then stored into the memory module 110.

[0065] In each sequence, the speed at which the colour of emitted light from the light emitting unit 102 may change is dependent on the attributes of a respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements. The respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements is output by the audio unit 106 and purified air is emitted by the air purifier unit 104 during operation of the light emitting unit 102. [0066] For each of the sequences, there may be a plurality of patterns of coloured light emitted by the light emitting unit 102. The patterns may be generated in a random manner, so that an emitted light pattern for a first instance of operation of the light emitting unit 102 may not be the same as an emitted light pattern for a second instance of operation of the light emitting unit 102, the first instance being of a same duration as the second instance. Thus, patterns of light emitted by the light emitting unit 102 may be non-monotonous. The speed at which the colour of emitted light changes may be dependent on the attributes of a respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements. For instance, during execution of a sequence, a first pattern of coloured light may be emitted by the light emitting unit for a first segment of a sound arrangement, while a second pattern of coloured light may display for a second segment of the sound arrangement. The tempo of the first segment may be the same as the tempo of the second segment, but the speed at which the second pattern of coloured light is emitted may be different from the speed at which the first pattern of coloured light is emitted due to the timbre of the second segment of the sound arrangement being different from the timbre of the first segment of the sound arrangement.

[0067] The speed at which the light emitting unit 102 changes the colour of emitted light may have a direct relationship with the tempo range of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements. The slower the tempo range of a respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements, the slower the colour of emitted light is changed. Similarly, the faster the tempo range of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements, the faster the colour of emitted light is changed. Thus, in at least one sequence of the executable stored sequences, the speed at which the colour of emitted light changes may match the tempo range of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements output by the audio unit 106.

[0068] The intensity of the colour of emitted light from the light emitting unit 102 may be variable through the control module 108.

[0069] The memory module 110 may be coupled to the control module 108. The memory module 1 10 may be adapted to store the plurality of sound arrangements emitted by the audio unit 106. The memory module 110 may be integral with the control module 108 or provided as a detachable module. Examples of detachable memory modules would include external memory units, such as memory sticks or an external hard disk, which are removably coupled to the memory module through a suitable interface, such as a USB port.

[0070] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a portion of a therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment. Similar to the therapeutic device 100 of Figure 1, the therapeutic device of Figure 3 has a light emitting unit 302, an air purifier unit 304, an audio unit 306, a control module (not shown) and a memory module (not shown).

[0071] A housing 320, within which the light emitting unit 302, the air purifier 304, the audio unit 306 and the control module are disposed, is provided. A portion of the housing 320 may be made from the material allowing passage of at least a portion of light. The housing 320 may be made of translucent material so that a surface of the housing 320 opposite to where the light emitting unit 302 is disposed is evenly illuminated by the light emitting unit 320.

[0072] The housing 320 has a top portion 320t, a middle portion 320m and a bottom portion 320b.

[0073] The light emitting unit 302 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 302a and 302b, the plurality of light emitting elements 302a and 302b disposed adjacent to the air purifier unit 304 to surround the air purifier unit 304.

[0074] The air purifier unit 304 has a washable pre-filter 312; an anti -bacteria HEP A filter 314; a de-odorizer and sanitzer filter 316; and a catalytic filter 318. These filters 312, 314, 316 and 318 remove fine particles like dust, pollen and mite debris, remove foul smells, kill bacteria and viruses and introduce negative ions so that cleansed air is emitted.

[0075] Figures 4A and 4B each show a perspective view of a therapeutic device 400 in accordance with an embodiment. Figures 4 A and 4B show the housing 320 of Figure 3 assembled.

[0076] From Figure 4A, the therapeutic device 400 further includes a base 440; and a member 446 detachable from the base 440. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the base 440 includes an inner portion 402 and an outer portion 404. The light emitting unit (not shown) is attachable, via the housing 320, to either the base 440 through its inner portion 402 (see Figure 4B) or the member 446 (see Figure 4A). In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the housing 320 is attached to one end of the member 446, while the other end of the member 446 is attached to the inner portion 402 of the base 440. By attaching the light emitting unit to the member 446, with the member 446 being attached to the base 440, the light emitting unit will be further elevated from the base 440. The configuration shown in Figure 4A facilitates placement of the therapeutic device 400 on a floor, while allowing the housing 320 to be visible from an elevated position.

[0077] From Figure 4A, the member 446 has a docking port 448 adapted to receive a remote control unit 450 for the control module (not shown) of the therapeutic device 400. The docking port 448 may have a light emitting component 452 to facilitate easy location in the dark.

[0078] The docking port 448 may receive the remote control unit 450 through magnetic force. A magnet may be located at either the docking port 448 or the remote control unit 450, with a magnetic material (such as iron or another magnet) placed in the either of the docking port, the remote control unit, or both.

[0079] The light emitting unit may be adapted to be connectable to the base 440 at where the member 446 is detachable from the base 440, as shown in Figure 4B. Figure 4B shows the housing 320 connected to the inner portion 402 of the base 440. The configuration shown in Figure 4B facilitates placement of the therapeutic device 400 on an elevated surface, such as a table top, where the housing 320 is preferred to be at a lesser height from the inner portion 402 of the base 440. Although not shown in Figure 4B, the outer portion 404 (see Figure 4A) may be attached to the inner portion 402 to provide more stability to the housing 320.

[0080] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the base 440 of the therapeutic device 400 of Figures 4 A and 4B. The base 440 has an inner portion 502 from which the member 446 (see Figure 4A) is detachable; and an outer portion 504 that receives the inner portion 502. The outer portion 504 is detachable from the inner portion 502. With the outer portion 504 attached, the therapeutic device 400 has the advantage of being less susceptible to toppling over.

[0081] Figure 6 shows another perspective view of the therapeutic device 400 of Figures 4 A and 4B. The remote control unit 450 sends control signals wirelessly to the control module (not shown). The remote control unit 450 is provided with a plurality of switches 602, wherein one of the plurality of switches 602 is configured to have the control module select one of the plurality of stored sequences.

[0082] Each of the plurality of stored sequences is assigned a switch, amongst the plurality of switches 602 on the remote control unit 450, to have the control module select the respective stored sequence. Another of the plurality of switches 602 may be configured to have the control module adjust the intensity at which the light emitting unit emits coloured light. Another of the plurality of switches may be configured to change the volume of the output of the audio unit (not shown).

[0083] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the docking port 448 of the therapeutic device 400 of Figures 4 A and 4B. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, a securing element 702 is located at the docking port 448, the securing element 702 used by the remote control unit 450 (see Figure 4A) to secure to the docking port 448. In one embodiment, the securing element 702 may be a magnet, upon which a portion of the remote control unit 450 having a ferromagnetic material (such as iron, nickel or cobalt) secures. In another embodiment, the securing element 702 may be a ferromagnetic material (such as iron, nickel or cobalt), upon which a portion of the remote control unit 450 having a magnet secures. In a further embodiment, the securing element 702 may be a magnet, upon which a portion of the remote control unit 450 having a magnet secures. Further, in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the light emitting component 452 is shaped as a ring around a portion of the docking port 448.

[0084] Figure 8 is a block diagram representing sequence flow of a program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment. The program shown in Figure 8 is used when the therapeutic device is to initiate or stop an operation sequence. A short press on a power button of the therapeutic device may stop the operation sequence, while a long press on the power button may switch off the therapeutic device.

[0085] At 802, where the therapeutic device is not in operation, switching on the therapeutic device will bring the program to 804. At 804, the therapeutic device turns on with settings which the therapeutic device had when it was previously switched off. The therapeutic device continues to operate at 806, until a user presses the power button to bring the program to 808. At 808, a power off sequence, shown in Figure 9 may be initiated so as to bring the program back to 802.

[0086] Figure 9 is a block diagram representing sequence flow of a power off sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment. The sequence of activities shown in Figure 9 may occur when a user presses and holds down a power button of the therapeutic device for 1.5 seconds or more. At 900, all operation sequences are stopped. At 902, an LCD display of the therapeutic device will be switched off. [0087] Figure 10 is a block diagram representing sequence flow of a timeout sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment. Timeout may occur whenever there is no further user interaction with the therapeutic device after a specified duration of for example, 1 minute.

[0088] At 1002, where the therapeutic device is not in operation, switching on the therapeutic device will bring the program to 1004. At 1004, the therapeutic device turns on with settings which the therapeutic device had when it was previously switched off.

[0089] The therapeutic device continues to operate at 1006. If there is no user input, an LCD display of the therapeutic device will stop showing content at 1008, although the therapeutic device is still in operation. If the power button is pressed, the program returns to 1006, where the LCD display of the therapeutic device will reactivate to show content.

[0090] At 1010, a power off sequence, as described above with reference to Figure 9 may be initiated so as to bring the program back to 1002. The program goes to 1010 if, for example, a user presses and holds a power button of the therapeutic device for at least 1.5 seconds.

[0091] Figure 11 is a block diagram representing sequence flow of an operation sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment.

[0092] At 1 104, the therapeutic device is turned on with settings which the therapeutic device had when it was previously switched off.

[0093] At 1108, if adjustments are made to the settings of either of a light emitting unit, an air purifier unit or an audio unit of the therapeutic device, the adjustments are shown in an LCD display of the therapeutic device. The therapeutic device then returns to operating with the new adjustments at 1 106.

[0094] At 11 10, if a program function (such as a setting to wake up the user) is selected, the selected program function is shown in the LCD display of the therapeutic device. The therapeutic device then returns to execute the selected program function at 1106.

[0095] If the power button is pressed, the program is brought to 1 1 12. At 1112, a power off sequence, as described above with reference to Figure 9 may be initiated.

[0096] Figure 12 is a block diagram representing a fan speed selection sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment. The fan speed selection sequence program is used to select the fan speed of an air purifier unit of the therapeutic device.

[0097] At 1202, the fan of the air purifier unit operates at a setting which the fan was at when it was previously switched off. In 1202, it is assumed that the previous setting was a low speed, which may also be the default setting for the therapeutic device. The fan speed may be toggled from a sequential sequence of 1202 (where the fan speed is low), to 1204 (where the fan speed is at a middle setting) and then to 1206 (where the fan speed is at a high setting). Although not shown, the fan may also be disabled.

[0098] Figure 13 is a block diagram representing a light selection sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment. The light selection sequence program is used to change the operation of a light emitting unit of the therapeutic device.

[0099] At 1302, the light emitting unit operates at a setting which the light emitting unit was at when it was previously switched off. The light emitting unit may then be operated at any one of predefined settings 1304, 1306, 1308 and 1310. A transition of about 1 to 2 seconds may be present as the light emitting unit changes from one predefined setting to another. It is possible to switch off the light emitting unit. The program of Figure 13 also allows for controlling the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting unit.

[00100] Figure 14 is a block diagram representing a timer selection sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment. The timer selection sequence program is used to select a duration after which the therapeutic device will be automatically switched off.

[00101] At 1402, a default setting has the timer deactivated. At 1404, 1406, 1408 and 1410, the timer is set for 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours and 8 hours respectively.

[00102] Figure 15 is a block diagram representing a sleep sequence program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment.

[00103] At 1502, the therapeutic device turns on with settings which the therapeutic device had when it was previously switched off.

[00104] The therapeutic device continues to operate at 1504. At 1506, a sleep function is selected so that the program proceeds to 1508 where the sleep function program is executed. [00105] At 1508, a light emitting unit and an audio unit of the therapeutic device will operate at a setting that induces sleep. A sleep timer, which may be set at a default value of 60 minutes, will start. At the end of 60 minutes, the light emitting unit and the audio unit will be switched off. An air purifier of the therapeutic device will remain in operation if it is already active. The sleep timer may be adjusted in intervals of 5 minutes up to a maximum of two hours.

[00106] Figure 16 is a block diagram representing a waking up and snooze functions program implemented in a therapeutic device according to one embodiment.

[00107] At 1604, the therapeutic device is turned on with settings which the therapeutic device had when it was previously switched off.

[00108] The therapeutic device continues to operate at 1606.

[00109] At 1608, when a wake-up function is selected (for instance through the pressing of an appropriately assigned button on a remote control unit), an LCD display of the therapeutic device will display a time when the wake-up function will be activated, i.e. a time when a user chooses to wake up. The time may be displayed, for example, for 3 seconds. If the assigned button is pressed again, the wake-up function will be deactivated, whereby the program returns to 1606.

[00110] The program will proceed to 1610, when the wake-up function is selected and at the time the wake-up function is set to activate. A light emitting unit and an audio unit of the therapeutic device, which are both deactivated, will both operate at a setting that induces waking up.

[00111] If the user presses a wake-up/sleep button, the therapeutic device will initiate a snooze function at 1612. At 1612, the light emitting unit and the audio unit will operate at a lower intensity and at a softer volume respectively for an interval of, for example, 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the program will return to 1610.

[00112] From either 1610 or 1612, the program will proceed to 1614, where a power off sequence (as described above with reference to Figure 9) may be initiated, if a power button is pressed.

[00113] Figure 17 is a block diagram showing a schematic of a system 1700 that may be used to control the light emitting unit of various embodiments.

[00114] The system 1700 uses one of the light modulators described in PCT publication WO 2008/131553 (to "Martel"). In the system 1700, a light modulator 30 combines a light Intensity parameter "I" 32 with a Color parameter "C" 34 and an optional Saturation parameter "Sat" 36 to generate at least three control outputs 38 with intensity signals for primary color projector channels. These 3 input parameters are respectively equivalent to the "Brightness", "Hue" and "Saturation" components of the "HSB Color Model" (also known as "HSV") well known in the art of colorimetry. The Light Modulator essentially performs an operation similar to a translation from HSB to RGB Color Models.

[00115] As is well known in the art of colorimetry, when light generated by primary color channels is combined over the same projection surface in varying proportions, it mixes through the process of additive synthesis and forms a variety of colors ranging within the color gamut bounded by the primary colors. This can for example be visualized with the standard CIE 1931 Chromaticity Diagram representing visible colors, as specified by CIE (Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage, Austria). In typical light projection systems the three primary colors selected are Red, Green and Blue because they match the spectral sensitivity of the three types of cones contained in the retina of eyes.

[00116] The Light Modulator 30 is designed to generate saturated colors, i.e. pure colors of the rainbow with minimal white content, in which case saturation is assumed to be fixed at its maximum value and the optional Saturation signal "Sat" is not used. The output signals 38 will therefore be determined by the intensity and color parameters. Saturated colors are obtained by using the Color Scaling functions shown in Figure 18 for each of the three primary colors: r(C) for Red, g(C) for Green and b(C) for Blue, with C being the Color parameter 34. The range of the Color parameter 34, referred to as Crange, is arbitrary and may for example be Crange = 128. The range of the Color Scaling functions output may be defined as ranging from 0 to 1.

[00117] By a visual phenomenon well-known in the art of colorimetry, mixing Red and Blue primary colors in various proportions creates the sensation of a continuous color scale which extends beyond the blue and violet end of the rainbow spectrum, through magenta and back to red, which is the first color at the opposite end of the rainbow. This is referred to as the "Color wheel", since the range of visible colors appears to be smoothly looping in a circle rather than spanning a linear range as in the rainbow, and in the HSB Color Model the Hue signal is given a circular range from 0 to 360°. The Light Modulator 30 may use such a Color Wheel scheme. Table 1 of Figure 19 shows an example of three Color Scaling functions defined so that the Color signal C is proportional to the rainbow spectral distribution from Red to Violet (or its Magenta approximation) within the 0 to 100 range for C, and the color range closing the Color Wheel between Magenta and Red is given the Color signal C range 100-128.

[00118] In the Light Modulator 30, each of the three outputs of the Color Scaling functions r(C), g(C) and b(C) are multiplied by the Intensity signal value through an appropriate mixing function 42, shown here to be mutiplicative by way of example, to obtain the three final color components signals 38 Red, Green and Blue equal respectively to Tr(C), Tg(C) and Tb(C). The range of the Intensity parameter II, termed lrange, is arbitrary and in the examples shown in Table 1 is assumed lrange = 100.

[00119] In applications where the Saturation signal is desirable to generate visual effects with more pastel colors, for example, the Light Modulator 30 may implement a function adding an amount of white mixture, i.e. equal amounts of Red, Green and Blue, inversely proportional to the value of Sat, while scaling down the three r, g, b values to maintain constant overall brightness. The range of the Saturation parameter Sat, Satrange is arbitrary. A value Sat = 0 results in white color output with r = g = b independently of the value of C. A value Sat = Satrange results in maximally saturated colors with no white portion added.

[00120] It will be appreciated that other light modulators may be used, such as the light modulation system described in the article featured in "Professional Lighting Design Magazine no. 57 (Sep/Oct 2007)" to "Anadi A. Martel".

[00121] From the above, it will be appreciated that embodiments provide a therapeutic device. The therapeutic device includes: a light emitting unit adapted to emit light of different colours; an air purifier unit; and a control module having a plurality of executable stored sequences, wherein in each sequence the speed at which the colour of emitted light changes varies.

[00122] While embodiments of the invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

1. A therapeutic device comprising:

a light emitting unit adapted to emit light of different colours;

an air purifier unit;

an audio unit adapted to output sound from one of a plurality of sound arrangements, each having different attributes;

a control module having a plurality of executable stored sequences, wherein in each sequence the speed at which the colour of emitted light from the light emitting unit changes is dependent on the attributes of a respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements, wherein the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements is output by the audio unit and wherein purified air is emitted by the air purifier unit during operation of the light emitting unit.

2. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit comprises a plurality of light emitting elements, the plurality of light emitting elements disposed adjacent to the air purifier unit to surround the air purifier unit.

3. The therapeutic device of claims 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of colours comprise any one or more of red; green; or blue; wherein their respective wavelength ranges are around 620nm to around 750nm; around 495nm to around 570 nm; and around 450nm to around 495 nm.

4. The therapeutic device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light emitting unit comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

5. The therapeutic device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a memory module coupled to the control module, the memory module adapted to store the plurality of sound arrangements emitted by the audio unit.

6. The therapeutic device of claim 5, wherein the memory module is integral with the control module or provided as a detachable module.

7. The therapeutic device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attributes of the plurality of sound arrangements comprise any one or more of a tempo range, timbre and tone.

8. The therapeutic device of claim 7, wherein the speed at which the light emitting unit changes the colour of emitted light has a direct relationship with the tempo range of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements.

9. The therapeutic device of claim 8, wherein the slower the tempo range of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements, the slower the light emitting unit changes the colour of emitted light.

10. The therapeutic device of claims 7 to 9, wherein the tempo range of the plurality of sound arrangements comprises

a first tempo range associated to activate any one of a group of alpha, beta and gamma brainwaves;,

a second tempo range associated to activate any one of a group of theta, delta and epsilon brainwaves; or

a third tempo range associated to activate any one of delta and epsilon brainwaves.

11. The therapeutic device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first range of time intervals between two succeeding colour changes for the sound arrangement having the first tempo range is less than a third range of time intervals between two succeeding colour changes for the sound arrangement having the third tempo range, while a second range of time intervals between two succeeding colour changes for the sound arrangement having the second tempo range has a value between the first range of time intervals and the third range of time intervals.

12. The therapeutic device of claim 1 1, wherein the first range of time intervals is around 0.05s to around 5s; the second range of time intervals is around 0.5s to around 10s; and the third range of time intervals is around 3 s to around 60s.

13. The therapeutic device of claims 7 to 12, wherein the timbre attribute comprises any one or more of the spectral envelope, a rise and decay time and an amplitude of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements.

14. The therapeutic device of claims 7 to 13, wherein the tone comprises the pitch of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements.

15. The therapeutic device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the colour of emitted light from the light emitting unit is variable through the control module.

16. The therapeutic device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stored sequences are pre-programmed or programmable by a user.

17. The therapeutic device of claims 7 to 16, wherein in at least one sequence, the speed at which the colour of emitted light changes matches the tempo range of the respective one of the plurality of sound arrangements output by the audio unit.

18. The therapeutic device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing having a portion made from material allowing passage of at least a portion of light, wherein the light emitting unit is disposed within the housing to illuminate the portion made from the material allowing passage of at least a portion of light.

19. The therapeutic device of claim 18, wherein the housing is made of translucent material so that a surface of the housing opposite to where the light emitting unit is disposed is evenly illuminated by the light emitting unit.

20. The therapeutic device of claims 18 or 19, wherein the air purifier, the audio unit and the control module are disposed within the housing.

21. The therapeutic device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a base; and

a member detachable from the base, wherein the light emitting unit is attachable to either the base or the member.

22. The therapeutic device of claim 21, wherein the light emitting unit is adapted to be connectable to the base at where the member is detachable from the base.

23. The therapeutic device of claims 21 or 22, wherein the member comprises a docking port adapted to receive a remote control unit for the control module.

24. The therapeutic device of claim 23, wherein the docking port comprises a light emitting component.

25. The therapeutic device of claims 23 or 24, wherein the docking port receives the remote control unit through magnetic force.

26. The therapeutic device of claims 21 to 25, wherein the base comprises

an inner portion from which the member is detachable; and

an outer portion that receives the inner portion, wherein the outer portion is detachable from the inner portion.

27. The therapeutic device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a remote control unit that sends control signals to the control module, the remote control unit provided with a plurality of switches, wherein one of the plurality of switches is configured to have the control module select one of the plurality of stored sequences.

28. The therapeutic device of claim 27, wherein each of the plurality of stored sequences is assigned a switch, amongst the plurality of switches on the remote control unit, to have the control module select the respective stored sequence.

29. The therapeutic device of claims 27 or 28, wherein another of the plurality of switches is configured to have the control module adjust the intensity at which the light emitting unit emits coloured light.

30. The therapeutic device of claims 27 to 29, wherein another of the plurality of switches is configured to change the volume of the output of the audio unit.

31. A therapeutic device comprising:

a light emitting unit adapted to emit light of different colours;

an air purifier unit; and

a control module having a plurality of executable stored sequences, wherein each sequence the speed at which the colour of emitted light changes varies.