Position Sensitive Illumination System

• US 20080192459A1
• Filed: 05/16/2005
• Published: 08/14/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd. (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Kwok, Philip Rodney
• Granted Patent: US 8,894,231 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/105
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1116 Determining posture transitions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4818 Sleep apnoea
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6803 Head-worn items, e.g. helmets, masks, headphones or goggles
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0638 in the form of a pivot
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/00 Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/03 rechargeable by exposure to light
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 11/16 using sheets without apertures, e.g. fixed
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/0832 Hook and loop-type fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/0885 for portable lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/04 the elements being switches safety devices F21V25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0414 specially adapted to be used with portable lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0492 the sensor detecting a change in orientation, a movement or an acceleration of the lighting device, e.g. a tilt switch
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0068 Medical equipment
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/08 for producing coloured light, e.g. monochromatic; for reducing intensity of light with provision for controlling the colour F21V9/40
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

A position sensitive illumination system for a patient includes an illumination source and at least one sensor structured and configured to selectively activate the illumination source in dependence of movement of the patient. Illumination source and/or sensor may be provided to one or more portions of a patient interface, e.g., a mask assembly, to thereby allow automatic activation of the illumination source when the patient moves to a predetermined position. Illumination source provides a directed lighted path for the patient as the patient moves about, e.g., during nocturnal visits to the bathroom, thereby avoiding the awakening of a bed partner.

Claims

1. A position sensitive illumination system for a patient, comprising:

an illumination source;

at least one sensor structured and configured to selectively activate the illumination source based on positioning of the patient in use; and

a patient interface that supports at least one of the illumination source and the sensor.

2. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the patient interface supports the illumination source and the sensor.

3. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the patient interface includes a strap structured for support in use by the head of the patient.

4. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the patient interface comprises a mask assembly.

5. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 4, wherein the mask assembly includes a forehead support that supports at least one of the illumination source and the sensor.

6. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 4, wherein the mask assembly includes a headgear strap that supports at least one of the illumination source and the sensor.

7. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 6, wherein the headgear strap supports a battery for the illumination source, and the illumination source is provided to a forehead support of the mask assembly.

8. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 4, wherein the mask assembly includes an elbow that supports at least one of the illumination source and the sensor.

9. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 4, wherein the mask assembly includes a supplemental port that supports at least one of the illumination source and the sensor.

10. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising a base support configured to be provided to the patient interface, the base support supporting at least one of the illumination source and the sensor.

11. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 10, wherein the base support includes a first portion to be affixed to a portion of an existing mask system and a second portion to support the illumination source.

12. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the base support is provided in one piece with the patient interface, which is a mask assembly.

13. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the illumination source includes at least one of an LED, an incandescent light source, and a halogen bulb.

14. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 13, wherein the illumination source includes an array of LEDs.

15. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the illumination source includes a reflector.

16. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 15, wherein the illumination source further comprises a shield member.

17. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a Mercury switch.

18. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a non-Mercury switch.

19. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 18, wherein two non-Mercury switches are provided, each being oriented such that at least one switch within a predetermined angular range is open in typical sleeping positions of the patient.

20. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a sensor array including at least two illumination sources.

21. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is provided to the patient interface.

22. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is not provided as part of the patient interface.

23. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 22, wherein at least a portion of the sensor is provided to the patient'"'"'s eye glasses.

24. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 22, wherein the sensor is provided as part of the patient'"'"'s bed pillow, mattress, or other surroundings.

25. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising a power source to power at least one of the illumination source and the sensor.

26. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 25, wherein the power source is rechargeable.

27. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising an override on/off switch.

28. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising a sensitivity module.

29. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 28, wherein the sensitivity module is configured to gauge ambient light conditions in the patient'"'"'s vicinity.

30. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising a filter to filter light from illumination source.

31. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising a dimmer module adapted to adjust the brightness level of the illumination source.

32. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising a soft start module configured to slowly ramp/step power to the illumination source from a lower level to a predetermined higher level.

33. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 32, wherein the ramping/stepping occurs over about 2-10 seconds, preferably about 5 seconds.

34. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one vibration damper provided to the interface.

35. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 34, wherein the vibration damper is a silicone mount for at least one of the illumination source and the sensor.

36. A position sensitive illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising a base support supporting the illumination source and the sensor, the support including at least one slotted connector for attachment of a head strap.

37. An air delivery system comprising:

a flow generator;

a mask assembly coupled to the flow generator and adapted to receive pressurized gas via an air delivery conduit positioned between the flow generator and the mask assembly; and

a position sensitive illumination system as claimed in claim 1, at least a portion of which is mounted on the mask assembly.

38. An air delivery system according to claim 37, further comprising circuitry to deactivate the flow generator in dependence of output of the sensor.

39. An air delivery system according to claim 37, wherein the flow generator includes a light sensor adapted to receive illumination from the illumination source, to selectively activate and deactivate the flow generator.

40. An air delivery system according to claim 37, wherein at least a portion of position sensitive illumination system is powered via the flow generator.

41. A method for controlling a patient accessory comprising:

monitoring the position of the patient'"'"'s head;

determining whether the patient'"'"'s head moves between a sleeping position and an awake position; and

activating the accessory in dependence of whether the sleep position of the awake position is sensed.

42. A method for controlling a patient accessory as claimed in claim 41, wherein the sleeping position is horizontal.

43. A method for controlling the patient accessory as claimed in claim 41, wherein the awake position is vertical.

44. A method for controlling the patient accessory as claimed in claim 41, wherein the accessory is an illumination source.