阅读说明：本技术 光黑视素活性指示器 (Photopigment activity indicator ) 是由 T·博拉 M·P·卢卡森 D·塞库洛夫斯基 于 2018-12-20 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种用于评估黑视蛋白活性辐射的量的光指示器(100),光指示器(100)包括：包括感测区域(111)的光指示器元件(110),其中光指示器元件(110)包括光反射元件(120),该光反射元件(120)配置为反射具有选自可见波长范围内的黑视蛋白的吸收带的波长范围的一个或多个波长、照射感测区域(111)的光的至少一部分,并且该光反射元件(120)配置为吸收具有在可见波长范围内的黑视蛋白的吸收带的波长范围之外的可见波长范围内的一个或多个波长、照射感测区域(111)的光的至少一部分；以及与感测区域(111)相邻配置的非感测区域(130),其中,非感测区域(130)具有消色,其具有与灰色阴影的亮度相对应的范围内的亮度。(The present invention provides a light indicator (100) for assessing the amount of melanopsin active radiation, the light indicator (100) comprising: a light indicator element (110) comprising a sensing region (111), wherein the light indicator element (110) comprises a light reflecting element (120), the light reflecting element (120) being configured to reflect at least part of the light illuminating the sensing region (111) with one or more wavelengths of a wavelength range selected from the wavelength range of the absorption band of melanopsin in the visible wavelength range, and the light reflecting element (120) being configured to absorb at least part of the light illuminating the sensing region (111) with one or more wavelengths in the visible wavelength range outside the wavelength range of the absorption band of melanopsin in the visible wavelength range; and a non-sensing area (130) disposed adjacent to the sensing area (111), wherein the non-sensing area (130) has an achromatic color having a luminance within a range corresponding to a luminance of a gray shade.)

1. An optical indicator (100) for assessing the amount of melanopsin-active radiation, wherein the melanopsin-active radiation comprises radiation having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 440-530nm, the optical indicator (100) comprising:

-a light indicator element (110) comprising a sensing area (111), wherein the light indicator element (110) comprises a light reflecting element (120), the light reflecting element (120) being configured to reflect at least part of the light illuminating the sensing area (111) with one or more wavelengths of a wavelength range selected from the wavelength range of the absorption band of melanopsin in the visible wavelength range, and the light reflecting element (120) being configured to absorb at least part of the light illuminating the sensing area (111) with one or more wavelengths in the visible wavelength range outside the wavelength range of the absorption band of melanopsin in the visible wavelength range;

wherein the absorption band of the melanopsin in the visible wavelength range is 440-530nm and wherein the reflection of light at the sensing region (111) in the wavelength range of the absorption band of the melanopsin in the visible wavelength range is on average at least twice the average reflection at other wavelengths in the visible wavelength range; and

-a non-sensing area (130) arranged adjacent to the sensing area (111), wherein the non-sensing area (130) has an achromatic color with a luminance in a range corresponding to shades of grey.

2. The indicator (100) of claim 1, wherein the amount of melanopsin active radiation is melanopsin flux or melanopsin illuminance.

3. The light pointer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,

-the light reflecting element (120) has a reflection spectrum with a reflection band having a maximum with a wavelength selected from the wavelength range 470-500nm and a full width at half maximum selected from the range 10-120 nm, and wherein the reflection in the reflection spectrum in the visible wavelength range outside the wavelength range 440-530nm is at most half the reflection at the maximum of the reflection band on average; and

-the non-sensing area has an average reflection in a visible wavelength range outside the wavelength range of 440-530nm selected from the range of 4-80%.

4. The light pointer (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light reflecting element (120) comprises a pigment (121).

5. The light indicator (100) according to claim 4, wherein the pigment (121) comprises one or more of basic copper carbonate, basic copper chloride, copper hydroxide and copper (II) acetate.

6. Light indicator (100) according to any of the preceding claims 4-5, wherein the light reflecting element (120) comprises a light transmissive material (122), wherein the pigment is embedded in the light transmissive material (122).

7. The light pointer (100) according to any of the previous claims 4-6, wherein the light reflecting element (120) further comprises a second pigment (221), wherein the second pigment (221) is black.

8. The light indicator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of light indicator elements (110) with respective sensing areas (111), wherein two or more sensing areas (111) have mutually different reflectivities for melanopsin-active radiation with one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 440-530 nm.

9. Light indicator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-7, comprising a plurality of light indicator elements (110), the plurality of light indicator elements (110) having respective sensing areas (111) and having non-sensing areas (130) adjacent to the respective sensing areas (111), wherein two or more sensing areas (111) have the same reflectivity for melanopsin-active radiation having one or more wavelengths selected from the 440-530nm wavelength range, and wherein the non-sensing areas (130) for the two or more sensing areas (111) have different colors selected from the group consisting of: a neutral color having a luminance in a range corresponding to the luminance of the gray shade.

10. A kit of parts (1000), comprising:

-a light pointer (100) according to any of the preceding claims; and

-reference information (1400) or a reference to such reference information (1400), which is available on one or more of the light pointer (100), the data carrier (1410) and the further tangible element (1420), and wherein the reference information (1400) comprises information allowing one or more of a qualitative analysis and a quantitative analysis of the amount of melanopsin-active radiation on the sensing area (111) of the light pointer (100).

11. The kit of parts (1000) according to claim 10, wherein the light indicator (100) comprises a plurality of light indicator elements (110) according to any one of the preceding claims 7-8, and wherein the reference information (1400) contains information allowing a user to one or more of qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the amount of melanopsin-active radiation on one or more of the sensing areas (111) of the plurality of light indicator elements (110).

12. The kit of parts (1000) of claim 11, wherein the reference information contains information that allows a user to perform one or more of qualitative and quantitative analysis by visually determining a minimum contrast between one of the sensing regions (111) and the non-sensing region (130).

13. The kit of parts (1000) according to any of the preceding claims 10-12, wherein the further tangible element (1420) is selected from the group consisting of a manual of the light indicator (100) and a packaging of the light indicator (100).

14. The kit of parts (1000) according to any of the preceding claims 10-12, wherein the further tangible element (1420) is selected from the group consisting of a manual of lighting devices and a package of lighting devices.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a light indicator and a kit of parts comprising such a light indicator.

Background

The effect of light on circadian rhythm is known in the art. For example, WO2016145064 describes an apparatus for achieving an individual's diurnal results, the apparatus comprising an eyewear article disposed relative to one or both eyes of the individual, the eyewear article having one or more filter elements configured to controllably attenuate spectral components of light incident on the eyewear; the spectral components are in the wavelength range of day and night activities; and controlling the one or more filter elements based at least on information associated with the individual's circadian outcome. Related systems, methods, and computer program products are provided.

Disclosure of Invention

Essential to our sleep/wake cycle is melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep during the night. Melatonin is a sleep supporting hormone that we produce only at about (and during) our usual bedtime. Light exposure at night and during the night suppresses the natural production of melatonin. Thus, it appears that the light modulates the so-called non-visual response. These responses include what are known as circadian responses (e.g., 24 hour rhythms of physiology and behavior) and acute effects of light (e.g., increased alertness and melatonin suppression).

Recently, a new photoreceptor has been described; intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (iprgcs). This new photoreceptor appears to play a key role in the non-visual response of mammals. The photochromic pigment present in this photoreceptor is melanopsin, and its action spectrum shows a peak in sensitivity at about 470-500 nm. Due to its key role, the non-visual response to light can be enhanced by exposure to short wavelength or blue rich white light sources. However, it is not always desirable to enhance the non-visual response. It appears that light at night (especially several hours before bedtime) may have a negative impact on sleep quality. These findings have been linked to the inhibition of melatonin hormones. Additionally, nighttime lights are known to increase alertness, which is undesirable during periods of sleep. The non-visual response caused by activation of the melanopsin photoreceptor may also be indicated as melanopsin activation or melanopsin activation.

Currently, it is not possible to determine the amount of melanopsin activation for a given luminophore without resorting to the use of a dedicated spectrophotometer and/or specific sensors and dedicated software. This makes it virtually impossible or complicated and/or expensive for the consumer to obtain an indication of the melanopsin activity of the light source.

It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide an alternative solution to easily detect and/or evaluate blackant active radiation at a specific location (also referred to as blackant illuminance at that location), which preferably further at least partly avoids one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages. The present invention may have the following objects: overcoming or ameliorating at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or providing a useful alternative.

In particular, the basic idea of the present invention is to provide a pigment for indicating the amount of melanopsin activity of a given luminophore. A possible use herein would be in the form of a so-called "melanopsin activity checker", where a checker table can be used to obtain an approximation of the melanopsin activity of a light source. The present invention may provide a "variable range" (ballpark) estimate of the blackant activity of a light source, allowing a user to determine whether the light source meets or exceeds certain criteria.

In a first aspect, there is provided a light indicator for assessing melanopsin active radiation, the light indicator comprising: (a) a light indicator element comprising a sensing area, wherein the light indicator element comprises a light reflecting element configured to reflect at least part of the light illuminating the sensing area with one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 440-530nm and configured to absorb at least part of the light illuminating the sensing area with one or more wavelengths in the visible wavelength range outside the wavelength range of 440-530 nm; and (b) a non-sensing region disposed adjacent to the sensing region, wherein the non-sensing region has a neutral color having a luminance in a range corresponding to a luminance of a shade of gray, preferably a luminance of black to gray. The evaluating may comprise evaluating a flux of melanopsin active radiation on a sensing area of the light indicator or a blackpsin illuminance on the sensing area.

The term "brightness" refers to the appearance of a light reflective surface or object, and in particular to the brightness of the surface relative to the brightness of white. The term "brightness" refers to the amount of apparent light reflected from an object (or originating from a light source). In colorimetry and color theory, luminance (also referred to as value or hue) represents a perceived change in brightness of a color or color space. Which is one of the color appearance parameters of any color appearance model. Various color models have explicit terminology for this attribute. The Munsell color model uses the term value, while the HSL color model, the HCL color space, and the CIE Lab color space use the term luminance. See https:// en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Lightness. By definition, the brightness of "black" is 0, while by definition the brightness of "grey" is 50, i.e. half way between black and white, and white is 100. (Note that the use of the achromatic "gray" as the first record of color name in the English language was in 700 years. See https:// en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Shades _ of _ gray.

In this description, "neutral" color refers to a substantially achromatic shade of gray, literally meaning that it has no color. Neutral colors have substantially no chroma, color saturation is substantially 0 (e.g., chroma ≦ 5 in the CIELAB color space), and luminance between 0 and 100 (i.e., between black and white, respectively). See https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey and https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/shares _ of _ gray.

Using such a light indicator, the amount of melanopsin active radiation at a location (such as at a sofa, at a table, etc.) can be assessed. In particular, with such a light indicator, it may be possible to easily detect the relative blackant flux relative to the luminous flux of light at a specific position where the user desires to know the relative blackant flux. With such a light indicator it may also be possible to easily assess the absolute blackant flux at a specific location where the user desires to know this flux. In this way, it can be easily detected (by the user) whether the light at this location has an amount of melanopsin active radiation above a desired threshold (e.g. staying awake) or below a desired threshold (e.g. at night). It is also easy to check whether the lighting device may be suitable for application at a specific location depending on the desired amount of melanopsin active radiation. The light indicator may be a strip-like or card-like element having, for example, a spot or patch (patch) within the background, or a plurality of spots within the background. The color and/or brightness of the spot and background may be compared. Based on a predetermined, e.g. calibrated, relationship between e.g. the brightness of the object/color and the incident luminous flux of the object/color, the user may determine whether the threshold is passed or not, or may even determine the flux quantitatively (within a certain range). The spot comprises a specific material that is substantially selective for melanopsin-active radiation, which may have substantially only an intensity in the range of about 440-530nm, and may have a maximum in the range of about 470-500 nm.

As mentioned above, the light indicator may thus be used to assess melanopsin active radiation on the sensing area of the light indicator. The melanopsin active radiation is in particular (visible) radiation having one or more wavelengths in the range of the absorption band(s) in the absorption spectrum of the melanopsin. The melanopsin-active radiation is in particular considered to be light having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range 440-530nm, in particular (at least) from the wavelength range 470-500 nm. Thus, sunlight contains this melanopsin active radiation, but its intensity and relative content varies over time from low at sunset and sunrise to high at noon. The melanopsin-active radiation may be (visible) radiation absorbed by the ipRGC.

Luminous flux is the luminous energy emitted by a light source per unit time and is expressed in lumens. Luminous flux incident on a surface, e.g. on a sensing area, can also be expressed as illuminance and expressed in lumens per square meter or lux. Both luminous flux and luminance amount are related to the visible spectrum in the wavelength range of about 380-780 nm and are wavelength weighted by a photometric function, also known as visual sensitivity V (λ), to correlate with human brightness perception. Similarly, the amount of melanopsin flux (also referred to herein as the flux of melanopsin-active radiation) and the melanopsin illumination (also referred to herein as the flux of melanopsin-active radiation on the sensing area) may be defined as the flux and illumination associated with the melanopsin-active radiation part of the visible spectrum in the wavelength range of about 440-. The melanopsin flux and melanopsin illumination are wavelength weighted by the melanopsin sensitivity function m (λ) as shown in fig. 5A, or are specified numerically in table L2 with WELL Building Standard v1 (available as https:// www.wellcertified.com/sites/default/files/resources/WELL%20Building%20Standard%20v1%20with%202017%20Q4%20addenda. pdf, incorporated herein by reference) in the quarter 4 appendix, 2017. Anywhere in this specification.

In order to reliably estimate the blackcurrant flux on the sensing area, it may be desirable to position the sensing area substantially perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the light of the blackcurrant flux of the light on the sensing area to be evaluated. The sensing area may for example have a thickness of e.g. 4-1000 mm²Such as 4-500 mm²The size of (2). Further, the sensing region may be a continuous region. The sensing region may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. For example, the sensing region may be square or circular, but other (polygonal) shapes may also be possible.

The sensing area is comprised by the light indicator element. In other words, the light pointer comprises a light pointer element comprising a sensing area.

In an embodiment, the light indicator element comprises a material which may have a relatively low absorption and thus a relatively high reflection at the wavelength range of the melanopsin active radiation. In embodiments, the material may have a relatively high absorption and thus a relatively low reflection at substantially all other wavelengths located in the visible range.

The terms "visible", "visible light", or "visible emission" refer to light having a wavelength in the range of about 380-780 nm. Thus, the material may have a relatively uniform absorption for all wavelengths that are visible, except for one or more wavelengths within the range of melanopsin active radiation. In an embodiment, the absorption in the range of 470-500nm may on average be at most one-half, such as at most one-fourth, of the average absorption at the other wavelengths that are visible (i.e. 380-470 nm and 500-780 nm). In particular, the average of the absorption in the range of 440-530nm may be at most one-half of the average of the absorption at the other visible wavelengths (i.e., 380-440nm and 530-780 nm).

Alternatively or additionally, the reflection in the 470-500nm range, even more particularly in the 440-530nm range, may average at least twice, such as at least four times, such as at least eight times, the average reflection at the other wavelengths that are visible (i.e. 380-470 nm and 500-780 nm, or even more particularly in the 380-440nm and 530-78 nm ranges).

Thus, the light indicator element comprises a light reflecting element configured to reflect at least part of the light illuminating the sensing area with one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 440-530nm and to absorb at least part of the light illuminating the sensing area with one or more wavelengths in the visible wavelength range outside the wavelength range of 440-530 nm. The sensing region may be a surface of the light reflecting element. The phrase "reflecting at least a part of the light illuminating the sensing region with one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 440-530 nm" may for example imply that there is a reflection band at this wavelength range, for example with a full width at half maximum selected from the range of 10-120 nm.

As will be indicated below, the light pointer may also comprise a plurality of sensing areas. Thus, in an embodiment, the light indicator may comprise a plurality of light indicator elements.

Further, the light pointer includes a non-sensing area disposed adjacent to the sensing area, wherein the non-sensing area has a black, grayblack, or gray shade. A gray black is a shade of black that differs only slightly from a pure black and is considered part of a neutral (achromatic) color scheme. The gray black can be considered a subset of the shades of gray, i.e., a "darker" subset of shades of gray. See https:// en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Shades _ of _ black. The combination of a sensing region and an adjacent non-sensing region can be used to assess the intensity of melanopsin active radiation. The background may be selected such that, for example, based on a brightness comparison of light reflected by the sensing and non-sensing regions, a user may, for example, assess whether the blackout flux is above or below some predetermined blackout flux. The grey shading of the non-sensing areas may be chosen such that a certain blackout pixel flux may result in substantially the same brightness at the sensing and non-sensing areas. Then, a user of the light pointer may check whether the flux is larger or lower at a specific location based on a comparison of the brightness of the sensing area and the non-sensing area. If the brightness of the sensing region is low, the flux is below the predetermined blackout pixel flux; if the brightness of the sensing region is high, the flux is higher than the predetermined blackout pixel flux.

In particular, light having a wavelength in the range 470-500 may have an effect on the circadian rhythm, since the main absorption of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells may be in this spectral range. Thus, it may be particularly desirable when the reflection of the light absorbing material in the sensing region is at a maximum within this wavelength range. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the light reflecting element has a reflection spectrum with a maximum reflection at a wavelength selected from the wavelength range of 470-500 nm. Still further, in a particular embodiment, the light reflecting element has a reflection spectrum having a maximum reflection at a wavelength selected from the wavelength range of 470-500nm and having a full width at half maximum selected from the range of 10-120 nm. Furthermore, the absorption outside the range of 470-500nm, in particular outside the range of 440-530nm, is higher, such as at least twice the absorption in the spectral ranges of 470-500nm and 440-530nm, respectively. The reflection of the reflection spectrum in the visible wavelength range outside the wavelength range of 440-530nm is at most one-half of the reflection at the maximum reflection in the wavelength range of 440-530nm on average.

In a particular embodiment, the light reflecting element reflects at least a portion of the light illuminating the sensing region over the entire wavelength range of 470-500 nm. This means, therefore, that the sensing region is reflective over this entire wavelength range of 470-500nm, in particular that the reflectivity at all wavelengths within the range of 470-500nm is larger than the reflectivity at all wavelengths visible outside this range.

The non-sensing areas may be black, which may mean an average reflection of 4% or less. In this context, when indicating an average value of the reflection, it may especially be that at least 80% of the reflection values within the relevant wavelength range are within +/-50% of the average reflection percentage value, at least 80% being within +/-20%. Below about 20% reflection, it may especially be, but certainly positive, that at least 80% is within +/-10%. Thus, assuming an average reflection of 8%, the reflection may be greater than 0% but equal to or less than 18% over at least 80% of the relevant range over which the reflection is averaged. In an embodiment, the non-sensing area has an average reflection in the visible wavelength range, thus comprising a wavelength range of 440-530nm selected from the range of 4-80%. In combination with the property that 80% of the reflection values in the visible wavelength range are all in the range from the average reflection, this means that the non-sensing area may thus have in particular a black, grey black or grey shade of grey up to medium and light grey. The non-sensing area may in particular provide a substantially neutral background.

The non-sensing and sensing regions are adjacent. This may mean that in an embodiment the distance between the regions may be at most 1mm, such as at most 0.5 mm. In an embodiment, the non-sensing region may surround the sensing region. In an embodiment, the sensing region may be a coating or other type of deposition of the light reflecting element on the non-sensing region, wherein the latter has a larger area than the former (and thus substantially encloses the sensing region). Thus, in embodiments, the non-sensing region may also be indicated as "background". The sensing region and the non-sensing region may be substantially in the same plane.

As described above, the background has a neutral color, and particularly has a luminance in a range corresponding to the luminance of the gray shade. Thus, the background may in particular have a neutral color with a brightness between black and middle gray, or even between black and light gray. Instead of the term "neutral color", the term "achromatic" may also be applied. Such neutral colors may have a chroma ≦ 5 (in CIELAB space).

In an embodiment, the light reflecting element comprises a pigment. Herein, the term pigment especially refers to a coloured material that is non-white (in view of the absorption and/or reflectance characteristics defined herein) and substantially non-luminescent under visible light (under irradiation with sunlight).

Note that in a particular embodiment, the light reflecting element may comprise a photoluminescent material. Alternatively or additionally, the light indicator may comprise a photoluminescent material, optionally in combination with a (black) pigment. In such embodiments, the pigment may be used to control the intensity of light reaching the photoluminescent material.

However, as mentioned above, the light reflecting element may particularly comprise a pigment. The pigment may be such that it substantially shows the desired spectral properties. Optionally, filters may be applied to adjust the reflection and/or absorption properties. The term "pigment" may also refer to a plurality of different pigments.

Suitable pigments that can reflect substantially within the spectral range of the melanopsin active radiation and are substantially neutral and absorb light outside the spectral range can include one or more oxide pigments, such as mixed metal oxide pigments (also known as complex inorganic color pigments). Suitable metals may include one or more of cobalt, iron, trivalent chromium, tin, antimony, titanium, manganese and aluminium. Alternatively or additionally, pigmentsIt may be a chloride, a carbonate, an acetate or a combination of different salts with different (complex) anions and simultaneously with the same (metal) cation (such as the metals described above) or a combination of different (metal) cations (such as the metals described above). In a particular embodiment, the pigment comprises a copper salt. In particular, copper salts may have the correct colour and reflect in the wavelength range of the melanopsin active radiation, but absorb (substantially) in other visible wavelengths. In further particular embodiments, the pigment includes one or more of basic copper carbonate, basic copper chloride, copper hydroxide, and copper (II) acetate. Combinations and/or mixed salts thereof may also be used. For example, in an embodiment, the pigment may include Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂. Thus, a suitable pigment may be verdigris.

In embodiments, the light reflecting element may be a layer (such as a coating) or a plurality of layers (such as a plurality of coatings). The light reflecting elements may be pressed materials, ceramic materials, crystalline materials, polycrystalline materials, etc. The light reflecting element may be configured in a transmissive setting, i.e. a portion of the melanopsin active light may be transmitted through the light reflecting element or the light reflecting element may be substantially non-transmissive, e.g. when the absorption is sufficiently high, e.g. by a high pigment content and/or a long path length (e.g. in case of a thick layer).

In a particular embodiment, the light reflecting element comprises a light transmissive material, wherein the pigment is embedded in the light transmissive material, optionally together with a second pigment. For example, the pigments may be dispersed in a polymeric material, or a ceramic material or a glass material, in particular a polymeric material, such as PMMA, PET, PC, etc. Such a polymer material may itself be light-transmissive. The light transmittance of the light reflecting element may depend on the thickness of the light reflecting element and the concentration of the pigment in the light reflecting element. Optionally, a second pigment may be applied. The term second pigment may particularly refer to a black or white pigment, such as a black pigment, which may be used to provide different shades of the pigment (which may be bluish/green). In particular embodiments, the second pigment is black, such as a carbon black or black iron oxide (e.g., spark black).

As described above, in an embodiment, a single sensing region with (surrounding) non-sensing regions may be used to assess the flux of melanopsin active radiation. However, it may be helpful to use multiple combinations of sensing regions and adjacent non-sensing regions, where different contrasts may be perceived under illumination with melanopsin active radiation. In this context, different combinations of sensing and non-sensing regions may be selected to determine whether flux is above or below a predefined level. Basically, in embodiments, the reflection of a sensing region may be changed and the reflection of an adjacent non-sensing region may be kept constant, or the reflection of a sensing region may be kept substantially constant and the reflection of an adjacent non-sensing region may be changed. However, combinations may also be applied and may be included in embodiments of the light pointer.

Thus, in an embodiment, the light indicator may comprise a plurality of light indicator elements with corresponding sensing areas, wherein two or more sensing areas have mutually different reflectivities for melanopsin active radiation with one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 440-530 nm. For example, the light indicator may comprise 2-8, such as 2-6, different sensing areas, all having a mutually different reflectivity for the melanopsin-active radiation. In these embodiments, the reflectivity of the respective non-sensing regions may be substantially the same. Thus, in an embodiment, there may be substantially a single non-sensing region, which surrounds the sensing region. The sensing regions may particularly be configured as an array, such as a linear array.

As described above, in the embodiment, the plurality of sensing regions may have sensing regions different from each other. In an embodiment, different reflectivities may for example be obtained by different combinations of the light reflecting element and the further material, such as different concentrations of the pigment in the host material (such as a polymer material) and/or different ratios of the pigment and the further material. Other materials may be black pigments and/or white pigments, such as black pigments. Thus, a second pigment may be applied. The term "second pigment" may also refer to a plurality of different second pigments. In this way, different shades of blue-green pigment can be created. Thus, in embodiments, the light indicator may have one or more of the sensing regions with light indicator elements comprising a combination of a second pigment and a light reflecting element, said combination reflecting at least a part of the light illuminating the sensing region and having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 440-530 nm. In particular, in an embodiment, a black second pigment may be applied.

As described above, alternatively, substantially the same sensing regions may be provided with non-sensing regions with each other. In such embodiments, the non-sensing regions, which may each surround the sensing region, may have different shades of gray, such as different shades of gray and black, from one another. The gray black can be substantially any shade between black and white. Thus, to obtain a non-sensing region, white and black pigments may be used to obtain a desired gray-black color.

Thus, in an embodiment, the light indicator may comprise a plurality of light indicator elements having respective sensing areas and having non-sensing areas adjacent to the respective sensing areas, wherein two or more sensing areas have (substantially) the same reflectivity for melanopsin-active radiation having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 440-530 nm. In particular, the non-sensing areas for the two or more sensing areas have different colors selected from the group consisting of: a neutral color having a luminance in a range corresponding to the luminance of the gray shade. In an embodiment, the non-sensing regions for the two or more sensing regions may have different colors selected from the group consisting of: black, grey black and grey shading. The phrase "two or more sensing regions have the same reflectivity" means that the sensing regions have substantially the same or similar reflectivity for different wavelengths in the melanopsin-active radiation, such as within about 10% of the average reflectivity across the relevant wavelength range. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the sensing areas may be substantially all the same, which may be easier when manufacturing the light indicator.

For adjusting the reflectance, for example, a mixture of pigments; the concentration of pigment in the binder (such as a polymeric material) may be applied; a layered structure with layers of different material compositions, etc. may be applied.

The sensing region(s) and the non-sensing region(s) may have substantially the same or similar roughness, such as wherein the roughness of the region with less roughness is in the range of about 70-100% (e.g., 80-100%, such as at least 90%) of the roughness of the region with higher roughness.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, the sensing and non-sensing areas may have a surface finish with the same or comparable gloss, preferably visually the same gloss, but in particular at least in the same gloss category (matte, satin, semi-gloss, high gloss). Thus, in a particular embodiment, the sensing and non-sensing areas have a surface finish with comparable gloss, preferably visually the same gloss, but at least in the same gloss category (matte, satin, semi-gloss, high gloss). In a further specific embodiment, the (surface finish) gloss of the sensed and non-sensed areas is at most 30 GU.

The combination of non-sensing and sensing regions may not show a brightness contrast at a certain flux of melanopsin active radiation, but may also show a minimum brightness contrast at a minimum deviating flux. Thus, for a combination of non-sensing and sensing regions, a predetermined flux and/or qualitative indication may be attributed. Thus, the light indicator may comprise information for evaluating the perceived brightness difference for one or more combinations of sensing areas and non-sensing areas. Alternatively, such an indication may be included in a separate manual, on the packaging of the light indicator or on another packaging. Links to such information may also be provided. For example, the link may be provided as a QR code or another type of (matrix) barcode. Accordingly, in another aspect, a kit of parts is provided, comprising a light indicator as described herein and reference information. The reference information may be (i) available on one or more of the optical indicator, the data carrier and the further tangible element, and/or may be (ii) accessible on the internet via a reference to an internet site, wherein the reference is available on one or more of the optical indicator, the data carrier and the further tangible element, and wherein the reference information comprises information allowing one or more of a qualitative analysis and a quantitative analysis of the blackout flux on the sensing area. Thus, the reference information or a reference to such reference information may be available on one or more of the optical indicator, the data carrier and the further tangible element. In an embodiment, the further tangible element may be selected from the group consisting of a manual of light indicators and a package of light indicators. However, in further embodiments, the further tangible element is selected from the group consisting of a manual of lighting devices and a package of lighting devices. In a particular embodiment, the kit of parts may (further) comprise a lighting device, a package of lighting devices or a package of lighting devices comprising such lighting devices.

As mentioned above, in embodiments, the light indicator may thus comprise a plurality of light indicator elements as defined herein, and the reference information comprises information allowing a user to perform one or more of a qualitative and a quantitative analysis of the flux of melanopsin-active radiation on one or more of the sensing regions of the plurality of light indicator elements.

For example, the reference information may contain information allowing a user (after visual inspection of the combination of sensing and non-sensing regions) to perform one or more of a qualitative analysis and a quantitative analysis based on a determination by the user of a (minimum) contrast between one of the sensing regions and an adjacent non-sensing region.

Light indicators may be used, for example, in homes, offices, factories, public spaces, etc. and may be used to assess, for example, whether the flux of melanopsin active radiation at a certain location is as desired, or too high or too low.

The term "radiation" in this context means especially light having a wavelength in the visible wavelength range.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

FIGS. 1a-1d schematically depict some embodiments and variations;

2a-b schematically depict some other embodiments and variations;

3a-3b schematically depict some aspects;

FIGS. 4a-4d also schematically depict some aspects and embodiments;

FIG. 5a shows a normalized absorption spectrum of melanopsin pigment, which is further corrected for transmission of the lens of the human eye and the interocular medium; and

fig. 5b shows the normalized reflection spectrum of copper acetate.

The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

Detailed Description

In particular, the present invention provides, for example, a visual indicator consisting of a plurality of patches (also denoted herein as light indicator elements) of pigment on a black background, wherein the reflectance curve of the pigment is very similar to the absorbance of the melanopsin pigment, and the patches are each set to varying levels of reflectance (e.g., 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%). An additional table may be provided in which the user (after visual inspection of the patch) may obtain an indication of the total amount of melanopsin activity of the current light based on the last patch that is still discernable from the background.

Fig. 1a schematically depicts an embodiment of a light indicator 100 for assessing the blackant flux. The light pointer 100 comprises a light pointer element 110 and a non-sensing area 130. The light indicator element 110 comprises a sensing area 111. The light indicator element 110 comprises a light reflecting element 120, which light reflecting element 120 is configured to reflect at least part of the light illuminating the sensing area 111 with one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 440-530nm and to absorb at least part of the light illuminating the sensing area 111 with one or more wavelengths in the visible wavelength range outside the wavelength range of 440-530 nm. The non-sensing region 130 is configured adjacent to the sensing region 111, wherein the non-sensing region 130 has a black, gray black or gray shade. In an embodiment, the light reflecting element 120 may include a pigment 121, such as one or more of basic copper carbonate, basic copper chloride, copper hydroxide, and copper (II) acetate.

Fig. 1b and 1c schematically depict some variants of the light indicator element 110, e.g. a layer of absorbing and reflecting material, i.e. reflecting in at least a part of the wavelength range of 440-530nm and absorbing substantially in the entire visible range outside the range of 440-530 nm. The light-reflecting element may also absorb light in this range of 440-530nm, but to a lesser extent, in particular to a substantially lesser extent, than outside this range. Fig. 1c schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the light reflecting element 120 comprises a light transmissive material 122, wherein a pigment is embedded in the light transmissive material 122, optionally together with a second pigment.

Thus, in embodiments, the visual indicator may comprise at least one patch, wherein at least one of the patches will be created such that for a predetermined blackout lux level (such as at 100 or greater than 100) the patch will be only discernable from the background.

Fig. 2a-2b schematically depict an embodiment of the light indicator 100, the light indicator 100 comprising a plurality of light indicator elements 110 with respective sensing areas 111, wherein two or more sensing areas 111 have mutually different reflectivities for melanopsin-active radiation with one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 440-530 nm. In particular, one or more of the light indicator elements 110 may comprise a combination of a second pigment and a light reflecting element 120 having a reflection of at least a part of the light illuminating the sensing area 111 with one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 440-530 nm. These figures also show embodiments of a kit of parts 1000, kit of parts 1000 comprising such a light indicator 100 and reference information 1400 on a carrier, or a reference to such reference information 1400 on a carrier. The reference information 1400 may be (i) available on one or more of the light pointer 100 (see fig. 2 a), the data carrier 1410 (see also fig. 2 a) and the further tangible element 1420 (see fig. 2 b), and/or (ii) accessible on the internet via a reference to an internet site, wherein the reference is available on one or more of the light pointer 100, the data carrier 1410 (see also fig. 2 a) and the further tangible element 1420 as a possible variant, and wherein the reference information 1400 comprises information allowing one or more of a qualitative and a quantitative analysis of the blackcurrant flux on the sensing area 111. Reference numeral 1410 in fig. 2a may be, for example, a USB memory stick with reference information 1400 or with such reference information links. The reference 1420 in fig. 2b may for example be a package of lamps. By using the light indicator 100 on the package and the reference information 1400 on the package, the melanopsin active radiant flux at a position in the space where the lamp is arranged can be assessed.

As described above, the present invention proposes, among other things, a system (e.g., in the form of a "color" checker table) that provides an estimate of the absolute amount of short wavelength energy (440- & 530 nm) in a given spectrum. The selected wavelength range corresponds to the peak sensitivity of the ipRGC. Figure 3a shows in an implementation example a possible principle of the invention, where the reflectivity properties of the pigment peak in the range of 440-530nm, in line with the blackant sensitivity curve. However, the invention is not limited to use with a color checker table, but may also be applied by using a smart device (e.g. a smartphone or a tablet). Here, the camera of the smart device acts as a sensor and provides an estimate of the amount of short wavelength energy in the given spectrum. Reference character a in fig. 3a denotes the relevant wavelength band, such as about 470-500 nm. Reference symbol B schematically represents the pigment reflectance, where reflectance is on the y-axis and wavelength (nm) is on the x-axis.

Application of the principles of the present invention may be straightforward. When used as a color checker table, the melanopsin activity checker is maintained under a given illuminant. Then, by visual inspection, the amount of melanopsin activity of the spectrum can be inferred. The present invention is not meant to provide high accuracy, but instead a more categorical approach will be taken to give an indication of "low melanopsin activity" versus "high melanopsin activity" depending on the application (see arrows in fig. 3 b). An example of this is provided in fig. 3 b. Two patches are provided, which look the same when the luminophore has low melanopsin activity. However, when the luminophore has a higher melanopsin activity (top of fig. 3 b), the patches on the right look different. Figure 3b schematically shows an embodiment of the use of the patch. The left side of the figure shows two pigments (melanin and "melanopsin" pigment) under various luminophores. The right side of the figure shows a simplified example of a spectral power distribution with low melanopsin activity (bottom) and higher melanopsin activity (top).

The effectiveness of a given spectrum in suppressing melatonin production can be expressed in terms of a Melanopsin Effectiveness Factor (MEF). This factor is calculated by normalizing the area under the curves m (λ) and V (λ) by multiplying the spectral power distribution of the light emitted by the illumination system (SPD (λ)) by the product of the melanopsin sensitivity function (m (λ)) divided by the product of SPD (λ) and visual sensitivity (V (λ)), see equation 1 (and also see, for example, WO2016146688, which is incorporated herein by reference, in particular from fig. 1 in this reference and the accompanying information):

(formula 1)

This can be simplified to

(formula 2)

Such as

(formula 3)

Thus, the sum indicated above is in the visible range of 380-780 nm. By definition, equal energy light source MEF_EEHas an MEF equal to 1. In particular, for all (visible) wavelengths, the isoenergetic light source hasSPD (lanrda) = constant (e.g., 1).

The biological impact of light on humans can alternatively be measured with the equivalent blackcurrant lux (EML), which is a proposed alternative metric that weights iprgcs instead of cones (as is the case with traditional lux). Alternative metrics are disclosed by WELL Building Standard v1 with appendix 4 quarter 2017 (which is downloadable at https:// www.wellcertified.com/sites/default/files/resources/WELL%20Building%20Standard%20v1%20with%202017%20Q4%20addenda. pdf, and incorporated herein by reference).

In fig. 4a-4b, the indications a, b, c and d following the reference numerals 111, 120 and 121 indicate the respective sensing regions, absorbing elements and pigments. Note that the adjacent non-sensing regions are the same for all sensing regions. Thus, in these embodiments, there is effectively a single non-sensing region 130 having multiple sensing regions 120 (i.e., 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d … …). Here, four sensing regions 120 are depicted by way of example. However, more or fewer sensing regions 120 may be used.

Fig. 4c shows the low (curve B) and high MEF (curve a) spectra used in the presentation in fig. 4a and 4B, respectively. Both spectra are at the same lux level (— 175 lux), but the MEF level is different. The MEF for the high MEF spectrum (curve A) was 1.07, while the MEF for the low MEF spectrum (curve B) was 0.3.

Accordingly, the present invention provides, inter alia, a visual indicator comprising: a plurality of patches of pigment on a black background, wherein the reflectance curve of the pigment closely resembles the absorbance of a melanopsin photoreceptor, and wherein the patches are each set to varying levels of reflectance (e.g., 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%) and; an accompanying table in which a user (after visual inspection of the patch) can obtain an indication of the total amount of melanopsin activity of the current luminophore based on the last patch remaining discernable from the background; an indicator that provides a "variable range" estimate of the melanopsin activity of a light source, allowing a user to determine whether the light source meets or exceeds certain criteria.

An alternative embodiment is schematically depicted in fig. 4 d. Here, the light pointer 100 comprises a plurality of light pointer elements 110 having respective sensing areas 111 and having non-sensing areas 130 adjacent to the respective sensing areas 111, wherein two or more sensing areas 111 have the same reflectivity for melanopsin-active radiation having in particular one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 440-530 nm. The non-sensing regions 130 for the two or more sensing regions 111 have different colors selected from the group consisting of: black, grey black and grey shading. The different non-sensing regions 130 are denoted by reference numerals 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e, … …, respectively. Combinations of more or less than five may be employed. Different shades can be obtained by different mixing ratios of the black and white pixels. Neutral color(s) having a luminance within a range corresponding to the luminance of the gray shade can be obtained by different mixing ratios of the black and white segments.

FIG. 5a shows normalized absorption spectra for melanopsin pigment in human eyes representing age and macular pigment density corrected for transmission of the crystalline lens and the interocular medium;

fig. 5b shows the normalized reflection spectrum of copper acetate. As can be derived from the figure, the similarity to the absorption spectrum of the melanopsin photoreceptor is very good. Thus, the pigment may be well applied in the comparative tests as described herein.

The term "plurality" means two or more.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "substantially" herein, such as in "substantially all light" or "consisting essentially of … …. The term "substantially" may also include embodiments having "all," "complete," "all," and the like. Thus, in embodiments, adjectives may also be substantially removed. Where applicable, the term "substantially" may also relate to 90% or more, such as 95% or more, particularly 99% or more, even more particularly 99.5% or more, including 100%. The term "comprising" also includes embodiments in which the term "including" means "consisting of … …. The term "and/or" especially relates to "and/or" one or more of the items mentioned before and after. For example, the phrase "item 1 and/or item 2" and similar phrases may refer to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term "comprising" may mean "consisting of … …" in one embodiment, but may also mean "comprising at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species" in another embodiment.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

The apparatus herein is described, inter alia, during operation. As will be clear to those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to methods of operation or equipment in operation.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, unless the context clearly requires otherwise; that is, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

The invention also applies to a device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention also relates to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

The various aspects discussed in this patent may be combined to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, the skilled person will understand that embodiments may be combined, and that also more than two embodiments may be combined. Furthermore, some of the features may form the basis of one or more divisional applications.