Field of invention

The present invention relates to a wearable flickering light device and a method for carrying out training.

Prior art

Research has revealed that light impulses sent towards the closed eyes of a person, can stimulate the brain in an advantageous manner. Said light impulses enables the person to experience creative entertainment, consciousness exploration and a unique form of sensory exercise. Accordingly, several flickering light devices designed for transmitting light impulses sent towards the closed eyes of a person, have been developed.

Some prior art flickering light devices are shaped as sunglasses. Each side of the glasses serve only one eye at a time since the left side serves the left eye and the right side serves the right eye.

Some other prior art flickering light devices are designed as stationary stand-alone devices that are not wearable. These devices are designed for transmitting light signals towards a user being situated anywhere from 30 cm to a meter or more from the device.

It has, however, been found that none of the prior art flickering light devices are optimal for being used by a user. The glasses-type flickering light devices are not capable of providing the desirable types of light stimulations. The stationary stand-alone devices that are not wearable.

Thus, there is a need for a more user-friendly flickering light device. There is also need for a more user-friendly method for carrying out training. US2022134052A1 discloses systems and methods for adjusting a user's circadian rhythm. In some embodiments, a system may be configured to obtain information relating to the user's present circadian rhythm and information relating to one or more anticipated times of sleep and/or wakefulness. The system may generate a model for estimating the user's circadian rhythm. The system may also generate a model for estimating the user's homeostatic sleep drive. Based on one or both models, the system may generate instructions for activating the light source to adjust the user's circadian rhythm. This solution, is, however, not suitable for providing a complete dual hemispheric stimulation of both eyes simultaneously. Accordingly, it would be an advantage to have an alternative solution.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention can be achieved by a device as defined in claim 1 and by a method as defined in claim 9. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent subclaims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The device according to the invention is a wearable flickering light device for transmitting light signals towards the closed eyes of a user, wherein the device comprises: a display provided with a number of light sources arranged and configured to transmit the light signals towards the closed eyes of the user; an attachment assembly configured for detachably attaching the device to the head of the user in such a manner that a shortest non-zero distance between the eyes and the light sources is achieved, wherein the light sources are provided along an area having a length, wherein the ration (Li/Di) between the length (Li) and the distance (Di) is within the range 1.0 to 1.6, wherein the display provided with a plurality of light sources formed as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein the distance (Di) is within the range 5-9 cm.

Hereby, it is possible to provide a user-friendly flickering light device. Light signals are sent towards the closed eyes from a larger range of field than the prior art flickering light devices shaped as sunglasses.

The display is provided with a number of light sources arranged and configured to transmit the light signals towards the closed eyes of the user.

The light sources may be of any suitable type and size.

The attachment assembly is configured for detachably attaching the device to the head of the user in such a manner that a shortest nonzero distance between the eyes and the light sources is achieved.

The device comprises a wearable headset designed to meet the required specific bio-optometric standard of measurements to ensure optimum functioning of the device.

The light sources are provided along an area having a length.

The area will typically constitute a rectangular area having a length (Li) and a width (Wi).

By having a ration (Li/Di) between the length (Li) and the distance (Di) that is within the range 1.0 to 1.6 it is possible to ensure that the distance from the light sources to the retinal plane of the eyes is optimum. This range ensures that the device can provide the desired neurological hemispheric binocular stimulation of the eyeballs (see Fig. In order to transmit a clean photic stimulation while maintaining the overall ratio of metrics the light sources must have a beam angle within 10-50 degrees, preferably 20-40 degrees.

In an embodiment, the light sources have a beam angle within 25-30 degrees.

In an embodiment, the ration (Li/D between the length (Li) and the distance (Di) is within the range 1.1 to 1.5.

In an embodiment, the ration (Li/Di) between the length (Li) and the distance (Di) is within the range 1.2 to 1.4.

In an embodiment, the ration (Li/Di) between the length (Li) and the distance (Di) is 1.3

Tthe distance (Di) is within the range 5-9 cm.

In an embodiment, the distance (Di) is within the range 5.5-8.5 cm.

In an embodiment, the distance (Di) is within the range 6.0-8.0 cm.

In an embodiment, the distance (Di) is within the range 6.5-7.5 cm.

The combination of physical distance (approximately 7 cm) and the physical placement of the LEDs on the display permits a complete dual hemispheric stimulation of both eyes simultaneously, wherein the light sources are provided along an area having a length, wherein the length is in the range 8.5-10.5 cm, preferably (approximately 9 cm).

In an embodiment, the area has a width (Wi), wherein the ratio (Di/Wi) between the distance (Di) and the width (Wi) is in the range 1.5-2.0.

In an embodiment, the ratio (Di/Wi) between the distance (Di) and the width (Wi) is in the range 1.6-1.9.

In an embodiment, the ratio (Di/Wi) between the distance (Di) and the width (Wi) is in the range 1.7-1.8.

In an embodiment, the ratio (Di/Wi) between the distance (Di) and the width (Wi) is in the range 1.75.

It is important that the placement of the light sources is limited in height/width ratio placement to the maximum eyeball rotation in the vertical and horizontal planes.

In an embodiment, the light sources are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged along parallel rows.

In an embodiment, the LEDs are arranged along two or three parallel rows, wherein each row comprises 2-5 LEDs.

In an embodiment, the LEDs are arranged along two parallel rows.

In an embodiment, the LEDs are arranged along three parallel rows.

In an embodiment, each row comprises 2 LEDs.

In an embodiment, each row comprises 3 LEDs

In an embodiment, each row comprises 4 LEDs

In an embodiment, each row comprises 5 LEDs In an embodiment, the display is rotatably attached to a mounting structure. Hereby, it is possible to provide a more compact device that can be folded together.

In an embodiment, the attachment assembly comprises a head engaging structure formed as a head band configured to detachably attached to the head of the user.

In an embodiment, the head band comprises an adjustment structure for adjusting the size (e.g. the circumference) of the head band.

In an embodiment, the display is straight.

In an embodiment, the display is concave (as seen from the eyes of a user wearing the device).

In an embodiment, the device comprises a sound generating unit arranged and configured to transmit a series of sound signals to the user.

In an embodiment, the device comprises a control unit configured to: a) generate a control signal pattern based on one or more predefined settings and/or or receive a control signal from an external device and b) activate the light sources in such a manner that the light sources transmit the light signals towards the closed eyes of the user in a predefined manner according to the control signal pattern.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to activating the light sources in such a manner that the light sources are permitted to act individually and/or in groups in both static and dynamic moving patterns.

In an embodiment, the display comprises at least 6 light sources. In an embodiment, the display comprises at least 9 light sources.

In an embodiment, the display comprises 15 light sources.

In an embodiment, the light sources in each row are evenly spaced from each other.

In an embodiment, the width of the LED placement (measured center of LED to center of LED) is 3-5 cm.

In an embodiment, the width of the LED placement (measured center of LED to center of LED) is 3.5-4.5 cm.

In an embodiment, the width of the LED placement (measured center of LED to center of LED) is 4 cm.

In an embodiment, the light sources are provided along an area having a length, wherein the length is in the range 6-20 cm.

In an embodiment, the light sources are provided along an area having a length, wherein the length is in the range 7-15 cm.

In an embodiment, the light sources are provided along an area having a length, wherein the length is in the range 8-12 cm.

In an embodiment, the light sources are provided along an area having a length, wherein the length is in the range 8.5-10.5 cm.

In an embodiment, the light sources are provided along an area having a length, wherein the length is 9 cm.

The method according to the invention is a method for transmitting a series of sound signals to the user by using a wearable flickering light device that is configured to transmit light signals (30) towards the closed eyes of a user, wherein the device comprises: a display provided with a number of light sources arranged and configured to transmit the light signals towards the closed eyes of the user, wherein the display is provided with a plurality of light sources formed as light-emitting diodes (LEDs); an attachment assembly configured for detachably attaching the device to the head of the user in such a manner that a shortest non-zero distance (Di) between the eyes and the light sources is achieved, wherein the light sources are provided along an area having a length, wherein the ration (Li/Di) between the length (Li) and the distance (Di) is within the range 1.0 to 1.6, wherein the distance (Di) is within the range 5-9 cm.

Hereby, it is possible to provide an improved and user-friendly method

In an embodiment, the area has a width (W , wherein the ratio (Di/Wi) between the distance (Di) and the width (Wi) is in the range 1.5-2.0.

In an embodiment, the light signals comprise a plurality of time periods, in which light is transmitted towards the closed eyes, wherein said time periods are interrupted by time periods, in which no light signals are transmitted towards the closed eyes of the user.

In an embodiment, the light is selected within a predefined frequency range.

In an embodiment, the intensity and duration of the time periods, in which light is transmitted towards the closed eyes are controlled in a predefined manner by using a control unit that is configured to: a) generate a control signal pattern based on one or more predefined settings and/or or receive a control signal from an external device and b) activate the light sources in such a manner that the light sources transmit the light signals towards the closed eyes of the user in a predefined manner according to the control signal pattern.

In an embodiment, the transmitted light is "white" light containing components at all wavelengths across the visible spectrum (which covers about 400-780 nm).

In an embodiment, the transmitted light is red light containing components at all wavelengths within the range 635-660 nm.

In an embodiment, each light source is a LED having a LED beam angle in the range 10-50 degrees.

In an embodiment, each light source is a LED having a LED beam angle in the range 15-45 degrees.

In an embodiment, each light source is a LED having a LED beam angle in the range 20-40 degrees.

In an embodiment, each light source is a LED having a LED beam angle in the range 25-35 degrees.

In an embodiment, each light source is a LED having a LED beam angle in the range 28-32 degrees.

In an embodiment, each light source is a LED having a LED beam angle of 30 degrees. In an embodiment, at least 6 light sources are used.

In an embodiment, at least 9 light sources are used.

In an embodiment, at least 15 light sources are used.

In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of transmitting a series of sound signals to the user.

In an embodiment, the device comprises a sound generating unit arranged and configured to transmit a series of sound signals to the user.

The combination of physical distance plus the specific placement of the LEDs on the display permits numerous unique neurological types of brain stimulation - the following is a list of unique stimulations related to the activity of certain LED's or patterns of LEDs. The patterns may be either stationary or dynamic/moving)

Depending on the LED selection, sequencing, rates and patterns (static or dynamic), the following neurological effects are generated:

1. General neurological stimulation;

2. General neurological sedation;

3. General neurological destabilization;

4. Mental image recall;

5. Mental image construction;

6. Mental sound recall;

7. Mental sound construction;

8. Emotional recall;

9. Sensation recall;

10. Stimulate temporal frontal lobe function;

11. Stimulate parietal lobe function. In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to execute a software program designed to permit a trained individual to control the display second by second throughout a predefined selection of photic driving stimulations.

Description of the Drawings

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1A shows a top view of a user wearing a device according to the invention;

Fig. IB shows a side view of a user wearing a device according to the invention;

Fig. 2A shows a top view of a user wearing a device according to the invention;

Fig. 2B shows a schematic view of a display of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the eyes and the brain of a user using the device according to the invention;

Fig. 4A shows a front view of a user wearing a device according to the invention;

Fig. 4B shows another front view of a user wearing a device according to the invention;

Fig. 5A shows a display of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 5B shows a display of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 5C shows a display of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 5D shows a display of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 6A shows a front view of a user wearing a device according to the invention;

Fig. 6B shows a top view of a user;

Fig. 6C shows a side view of a user; Fig. 7A shows a device according to the invention in a first configuration;

Fig. 7B shows another configuration of the device shown in Fig. 7 A;

Fig. 8A shows a side view of a user applying a device according to the invention;

Fig. 8B shows the device shown in Fig. 8A;

Fig. 9A shows a device according to the invention and

Fig. 9B shows a display of a device according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a wearable flickering light device 2 according to the invention of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 1A.

Fig. 1A illustrates a top view of a user 4 wearing a wearable flickering light device 2 according to the invention. The device 2 is configured to transmit light signals towards the eyes 8, 8' of the user 4.

The device 2 comprises a display 10 provided with a number of light sources 6 arranged and configured to transmit the light signals towards the eyes 8, 8' of the user 4 while the eyes 8, 8' are kept closed. The light sources 6 are provided on a plate-shaped display 10.

The device 2 comprises an attachment assembly configured for detachably attaching the device 2 to the head of the user 4 in such a manner that the shortest non-zero distance Di between the eyes 8, 8' and the light sources 6 is within a predefined range. The attachment assembly comprises a head engaging structure 14 and an attachment member 12 extending between the display 10 and the head engaging structure 14. The head engaging structure 14 may be formed as a size adjustable or elastic head band.

Each light source 6 is a Light-emitting diode (LED). The LEDs are provided along an area having a length Li.

The ration Li/Di between the length Li and the distance Di is within the range 1.0 to 1.6.

In an embodiment, the ration Li/Di between the length Li and the distance D is within the range 1.2 to 1.4.

In an embodiment, the ration Li/Di between the length Li and the distance Di) is within the range 1.25 to 1.35.

In an embodiment, the ration Li/Di between the length Li and the distance Di is 1.3

The distance Di is typically within the range 5-9 cm.

In an embodiment, the distance Di is within the range 6-8 cm.

In an embodiment, the distance Di is within the range 6.5-7.5 cm.

In an embodiment, the distance Di is 7.0 cm.

Fig. IB illustrates a side view of a user 4 wearing a device 2 according to the invention. The device 2 basically corresponds to the one shown and explained with reference to Fig. 1A. The device 2 comprises a display 10 provided with a plurality of light sources formed as LEDs. The display 10 is arranged in distance from the eye 8 of the user 4. The shortest distance Di from the LEDs and the eye 8 of the user 4 is indicated. The device 2 comprises a head engaging structure 14 that has been detachably attached to the head of the user 4. The display 10 is attached to the head engaging structure 14 by means of an attachment member 12

Fig. 2A illustrates a top view of a user wearing a device 2 according to the invention. Fig. 2a basically corresponds to Fig. 1A.

It can be seen that the distance Di from the LEDs 6 and the eye 8 of the user 4 is measured from the central portion of the LEDs 6. The LEDs 6 are provided along an area having a length Li, wherein the length Li is measured from the central portion of the LEDs 6.

The ratio Di/Wi between the distance Di and the width Wi is in the range 1.5-2.0. The angle a between the line from the right eye to the right most LED to the line from the left eye to the left most LED is indicated.

In an embodiment, the angle a is in the range 30-70 degrees.

In an embodiment, the angle a is in the range 35-65 degrees.

In an embodiment, the angle a is in the range 40-60 degrees.

In an embodiment, the angle a is in the range 45-55 degrees.

Fig. 2B illustrates a schematic view of a display 10 of a device according to the invention. The display 10 comprises nine LEDs arranged along three parallel rows 42, 42', 42". Three LEDs 6 are evenly distributed along each row 42, 42', 42".

The display is shaped a s planar plate. The area defined by the LEDs is rectangular.

In order to transmit a clean photic stimulation while maintaining the overall ratio of metrics the light sources must have a beam angle within 10-50 degrees, preferably 20-40 degrees.

In an embodiment, the light sources have a beam angle within 25-35 degrees.

In an embodiment, the light sources have a beam angle of 30 degrees. Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic view of the eyes 8, 8' and the brain 20 of a user using the device according to the invention. It can be seen that the right visual field 16 and the left visual field 20 is responsible for transmitting light towards the right eye 8 and the left eye 8'. Signals received by the left eye 8' are transmitted via the optic chiasm 22 through the corpus callosus 24 to the right cortex 26.

Likewise, signals received by the right eye 8 are transmitted via the optic chiasm 22 through the corpus callosus 24 to the left cortex 28.

Fig. 4A illustrates a front view of a user 4 wearing a device 2 according to the invention. The user 4 has closed eyes and is wearing an attachment assembly designed for detachably attaching the device to the head of the user 4 in such a manner that a non-zero distance between the eyes and the light sources of the device 2 is achieved.

The device 2 comprises a display 10 having light sources provided at the side that faces the eyes of the user 4. The display is attached to a mounting structure 34 that is attached to a head engaging structure of the device 2.

The user is wearing a headset comprising headphones 32 configured to generate sound signals. Hereby, the device 2 is capable of providing a more complex user experience that includes sound.

Fig. 4B illustrates another front view of a user 4 wearing a device 2 according to the invention. The device 2 comprises a display 10 that comprises light sources provided at the side that faces the eyes of the user 4. The display 10 is rotatably attached to a mounting element 36. The mounting element 36 is attached to a head engaging structure 14 that has been detachably attached to the head of the user 4.

Fig. 5A illustrates a display 10 of a device according to the invention. The display comprises three parallel rows 42, 42', 42" each comprising three evenly spaced apart LEDs 6, 6', 6".

Fig. 5B illustrates a display 10 of a device according to the invention. The display comprises three parallel rows 42, 42', 42" each comprising four evenly spaced apart LEDs 6, 6', 6", 6".

Fig. 5C illustrates a display 10 of a device according to the invention. The display comprises two parallel rows 42, 42' each comprising three evenly spaced apart LEDs 6, 6', 6".

Fig. 5D illustrates a display 10 of a device according to the invention. The display comprises two parallel rows 42, 42' each comprising four evenly spaced apart LEDs 6, 6', 6", 6'".

Fig. 6A illustrates a front view of a user 4 wearing a device 2 according to the invention. The device 2 comprises a display 10 that comprises light sources provided at the side that faces the eyes of the user 4. The display 10 is attached to a head engaging structure 14 that has been detachably attached to the head of the user 4.

Fig. 6B illustrates a schematic top view of a user 4 applying a device 2 according to the invention. The device 2 comprises a display 10 that is slightly arched (having a concave shape). The display 10 that is curved in such a manner that the light signals 30 transmitted by the light sources of the display 10 are transmitted towards the face of the user 4 in a condensed manner when seen from above (like shown in Fig. 6B).

Fig. 6C illustrates another schematic top view of a user 4 applying a device 2 according to the invention. The device 2 is shown in a cross- sectional view and comprises a display 10 that is slightly arched (having a concave shape). The display 10 that is curved in such a manner that the light signals 30 transmitted by the light sources of the display 10 are transmitted towards the face of the user 4 in a condensed manner when seen from the side (like shown in Fig. 6C).

Fig. 7A illustrates a device 2 according to the invention in a first configuration. The device 2 comprises a head engaging structure 14 that is configured to be detachably attached to the head of the user 4.

The device 2 comprises a display 10 provided with three parallel rows each comprising three evenly spaced apart LEDs. The display 10 is fixed to a surrounding frame 38 that is rotatably attached to a mounting element 36. The mounting element 36 is connected to a base structure 40 that is attached to the head engaging structure 14.

Fig. 7B illustrates another configuration of the device shown in Fig. 7A. The frame 38 has been rotated approximately 90 degrees with respect to the mounting element 36. Accordingly, the LEDs of the display 10 points towards the face of the user, when the head engaging structure 14 is attached to the he4ad of a user.

Fig. 8A illustrates a side view of a user 4 applying a device 2 according to the invention. The device 2 comprises a display 10 provided with a plurality of rows each comprising several LEDs 6. The display 10 is attached to a frame 38 that is rotatably attached to an attachment member 12. The attachment member 12 is attached to a head engaging structure 14 that has been detachably attached to the head of the user 4. The user 4 has closed eyes. A sound generating unit 44 is inserted into the ear of the user, generating unit 44 may be a separate unit or n unit being an integrated part of the device. The generating unit 44 is configured to generate sound signals in dependency of the light signals 30. Accordingly, it is possible to stimulate the user in the most desirable way.

Fig. 8B illustrates the device 2 shown in Fig. 8A. It can be seen the device 2 comprises a display 10 comprising three parallel rows each comprising three evenly spaced apart LEDs 6, 6', 6". The display 10 is attached to a frame 38 that is rotatably attached to an attachment member 12. The attachment member 12 is attached to the head engaging structure 14 of the device 2.

Fig. 9A illustrates a device 2 according to the invention. The device 2 comprises a head engaging structure 14 that is configured to be detachably attached to the head of the user 4.

The device 2 comprises a display 10 provided with three parallel rows each comprising five evenly spaced apart LEDs. The display 10 is fixed to a surrounding frame 38 that is rotatably attached to a mounting element 36. The mounting element 36 is connected to a base structure 40 that is attached to the head engaging structure 14.

Fig. 9B illustrates a display 10 of a device according to the invention. The display comprises three parallel rows 42, 42', 42" each comprising five evenly spaced apart LEDs 6, 6', 6". The display 10 is a dual wavelength 15 LED display. The display 10 comprises two columns of red LEDs 7, 7' (indicated with a pattern). In an embodiment, the wavelength will be approximately 665 nm. In an embodiment, the 9 white LEDs 6, 6', 6" will be controlled by a first control structure, while the 6 red LEDs 7, 7' will be controlled by a controlled by a second control structure. Accordingly, it is possible to create light choreography that provides a dual integrated brain stimulation.

List of reference numerals

Flickering light device

User

6, 6', 6", 6"' Light-emitting diode (LED)

7, 7' Light-emitting diode (LED)

8, 8' Eye

10 Display

12 Attachment member

14 Head engaging structure

16 Right visual field

18 Left visual field

20 Brain

22 Optic chiasm

24 Corpus callosus

26 Right cortex

28 Left cortex

30 Light signal

32 Earphone

34 Mounting structure

36 Mounting element

38 Frame

40 Base structure

42, 42', 42" Row

44 Sound generating unit

Di Distance

Wi Width

Li Length a Angle p Angle