Sunlight simulating microprocessor alarm clock

• US 7,280,439 B1
• Filed: 01/23/2006
• Issued: 10/09/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daniel Edward Shaddox
• Original Assignee: Daniel Edward Shaddox
• Inventors: Shaddox, Daniel Edward
• Primary Examiner(s): Paumen; Gary F.
• Application Number:
  US11/339,265
• Time in Patent Office: 624 Days
• Field of Search: 368/12, 368 72- 74, 368/79, 368/256, 368/248, 368/263, 362/231, 362/1, 362/2, 362/234
• US Class Current: 368/73
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2021/0044 by the sight sense
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 21/00 Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0052 Audio or video equipment, e.g. televisions, telephones, cameras or computers; Remote control devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/02 for simulating daylight F21V9/04, F21V9/06 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 39/083 by the variation-rate of light intensity
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/16 by timing means
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved countermeasure for circadian and sleep disruption as caused by a traditional alarm clock. It incorporates a lighting system at the alarm clock that, prior to the preset waking time, will emit a light that gradually increases in intensity as it changes the ultraviolet spectrum of light it emits, so as to simulate the rising sun. This will ease the waking process for many people, especially those prone to simple disruptions of their circadian regulation. It may also be set to operate in a reverse mode so as to simulate the setting sun thus helping stimulate melatonin production and easing one into sleep.

Claims

1. An improved alarm clock that emits light of various wavelengths and intensities for a predetermined period of time prior to the reaching of at least one time dependent alarm setpoint comprising:

a base adapted for housing all components of said alarm clock;

an electro-optical display adapted to display the time set on said alarm clock and said alarm setpoints;

a time and alarm setting module adapted to set the time and said alarm setpoints;

an electro-audible alarm;

at least one light emitting element;

a microprocessor means adapted to sequence the color and intensity of said emitted light in conformance with at least one programed algorithmic cycle responding to said alarm setpoints;

a first contact means for silencing said electro-audible alarm for a predetermined time period,

a second contact means for switching off said light emitting element, silencing said electro-audible alarm and resetting said microprocessor cycle; and

a means for connecting said alarm clock to a power supply.

2. The improved alarm clock of claim 1 wherein the number of said light emitting elements is at least three.

3. The improved alarm clock of claim 2 wherein said microprocessor means has a first algorithmic cycle that adjusts the various wavelengths and intensities of said light emitting elements to simulate the changing visual colors or the rising sun;

and a second algorithmic cycle that adjusts the various wavelengths and intensities of said light emitting elements to simulate the changing visual colors or the setting sun.

4. The improved alarm clock of claim 3 further comprising a mode selection switch adapted to allow operation of said microprocessor means'"'"' first algorithmic cycle, second algorithmic cycle, both first and second algorithmic cycles or none of said cycles.

5. The improved alarm clock of claim 4 wherein said light emitting elements are a blue light emitting incandescent lightbulb, a red light emitting incandescent lightbulb and a white light emitting incandescent lightbulb.

6. The improved alarm clock of claim 5 wherein said blue light emitting incandescent lightbulb has a 5 to 40 watt rating, said red light emitting incandescent lightbulb has a 20 to 75 watt rating and said white light emitting incandescent lightbulb has a 60 to 150 watt rating.

7. The improved alarm clock of claim 6 wherein said blue light emitting incandescent lightbulb has a 20 watt rating, said red light emitting incandescent lightbulb has a 40 watt rating and said white light emitting incandescent lightbulb has a 60 watt rating.

8. The improved alarm clock of claim 7 wherein there is a waking time setpoint and a sleeping time setpoint.

9. The improved alarm clock of claim 8 wherein said microprocessor means turns on said blue light emitting incandescent lightbulb for the period of time 45 to 30 minutes before said waking time setpoint, turns on said red light emitting incandescent lightbulb for the period of time 30 to 15 minutes before said waking time setpoint, and turns on said white light emitting incandescent lightbulb 15 minutes before said waking time setpoint.

10. The improved alarm clock of claim 9 wherein said microprocessor means turns on said white light emitting incandescent lightbulb for the period of time 45 to 30 minutes before said sleeping time setpoint, turns on said red light emitting incandescent lightbulb for the period of time 30 to 15 minutes before said sleeping time setpoint, and turns on said blue light emitting incandescent lightbulb 15 minutes before said sleeping time setpoint until said sleeping time setpoint is reached.

11. The improved alarm clock of claim 10 further comprising a translucent cover adapted to reside on said base and cover said light emitting elements.

12. The improved alarm clock of claim 4 wherein said light emitting elements are groupings of a blue light emitting diode, a red light emitting diode and a green light emitting diode which are illuminated by said microprocessor means so as to gradually increase the wavelength of visible light and the illumination level during the 45 minute period of time preceding the waking time setpoint.

13. The improved alarm clock of claim 12 wherein said light emitting diodes are illuminated by said microprocessor means so as to gradually decrease the wavelength of visible light and the illumination level during the 45 minute period of time preceding the sleeping time setpoint.

14. The improved alarm clock of claim 13 further comprising a translucent cover adapted to reside on said base and cover said light emitting elements.

15. The improved alarm clock of claim 14 further comprising an LED mounting ring affixed to a top of said base, and said ring having an inwardly angled face wherein said LEDS are mounted.

16. The improved alarm clock of claim 15 further comprising a light reflector centrally located on said top of said base and residing at the midpoint of said ring wherein said reflector has a polished, light reflective outer surface.

17. The improved alarm clock of claim 16 wherein said an electro-audible alarm emits an audible alarm when said waking time setpoint has been reached.