Abstract
Objective: Lighting is a strong synchronizer for circadian rhythms, which in turn drives a wide range of biological functions. The objective of our work is a) to construct a clinical in-patient testbed with smartİ lighting, and b) evaluate its feasibility for use in future clinical studies. Methods: A feedback capable, variable spectrum lighting system was installed at the University of New Mexico Hospital. The system consists of variable spectrum lighting troffers, color sensors, occupancy sensors, and computing and communication infrastructure. We conducted a pilot study to demonstrate proof of principle, that 1) this new technology is capable of providing continuous lighting and sensing in an active clinical environment, 2) subject recruitment and retention is feasible for round-the-clock, multi-day studies, and 3) current techniques for circadian regulation can be deployed in this unique testbed. Unlike light box studies, only troffer-based lighting was used, and both lighting intensity and spectral content were varied. Results: The hardware and software functioned seamlessly to gather biometric data and provide the desired lighting. Salivary samples that measure dim-light melatonin onset showed phase advancement for all three subjects. Conclusion: We executed a five-day circadian rhythm study that varied intensity, spectrum, and timing of lighting as proof-of-concept or future clinical studies with troffer-based, variable spectrum lighting. Clinical Impact: The ability to perform circadian rhythm experiments in more realistic environments that do not overly constrain the subject is important for translating lighting research into practice, as well as for further research on the health impacts of lighting.
Highlights
Advances in light emitting diode (LED) technology have made tunable spectral combinations commercially feasible, with a growing market for tunable lighting (i.e., Signify, Acuity Brands) and lighting control software (i.e., Nest, F.lux, Philips Hue). ‘‘Smart’’ lighting, that incorporates feedback from personal sensing devices into the control of variable spectrum LED light fixtures, has the potential for enormous impact in a variety of environments, including classrooms, workplaces, health care facilities, and many other arenas [1]–[4]
Lighting is a strong synchronizer for circadian rhythms, a 24-hour periodic cycle in biological processes that drives a wide range of biological functions
The primary goal of the pilot study is to demonstrate proof of concept, that is, to show that it is possible for the testbed to a) deliver color-tunable lighting, to sense occupancy, and to sense spectral content of the lighting sources, in an in-patient testbed over the duration of a multi-day study, without service interruptions or other technical failures, and b) to successfully recruit subjects who complete the full study
Summary
Advances in light emitting diode (LED) technology have made tunable spectral combinations commercially feasible, with a growing market for tunable lighting (i.e., Signify (formerly Phillips Lighting), Acuity Brands) and lighting control software (i.e., Nest, F.lux, Philips Hue). ‘‘Smart’’ lighting, that incorporates feedback from personal sensing devices (actigraphy, skin temperature, and others) into the control of variable spectrum LED light fixtures, has the potential for enormous impact in a variety of environments, including classrooms, workplaces, health care facilities, and many other arenas [1]–[4]. ‘‘Smart’’ lighting, that incorporates feedback from personal sensing devices (actigraphy, skin temperature, and others) into the control of variable spectrum LED light fixtures, has the potential for enormous impact in a variety of environments, including classrooms, workplaces, health care facilities, and many other arenas [1]–[4]. The system (Figure 2) consists of 4 Telelumen Penta Luminaires [26], 8 Iris IRMA MATRIX time-of-flight sensors [27], and 48 AMS TCS34725 color sensors [28]. The Telelumen Penta Luminaire fixtures are controllable, variable spectrum lighting sources consisting of five LED channels: red, green, blue, and phosphor-converted amber and white. The luminaires can generate white light in the range of 1800–10000 K, with a color rendition index (CRI) greater than 66. Each color-tunable light fixture is connected, via ethernet, to an ethernet switch, to enable communication to each source independently
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
