Method and apparatus for determining circadian input

Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining the circadian input of a light source includes selecting a circadian input to be measured based on an action spectrum corresponding to a wavelength sensitivity of photoreceptors for a circadian regulation system, where the circadian input is configured to stimulate a retinaldehyde photopigment, and for measuring spectral intensity across the action spectrum to determine the circadian input of the light source.

1 . An architectural lighting apparatus, comprising:
 an architectural light source configured for installation in an architectural space and configured to emit light for ocular illumination of the architectural space and the emitted light having a spectrum based on a pre-established action spectrum identified as stimulating or regulating at least one of circadian, photoneural or neuroendocrine systems in a human.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the spectrum is variable to either: (i) increase peak intensities at an electromagnetic wavelength in the range of approximately 425 nanometers to approximately 505 nanometers or (ii) reduce intensities of light in the range of approximately 425 nanometers to approximately 505 nanometers. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pre-established action spectrum is for stimulation of a retinaldehyde photopigment. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the retinaldehyde photopigment comprises at least melanopsin. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pre-established action spectrum is correlated with a depression of circulating melatonin levels. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the spectrum has a peak intensity at an electromagnetic wavelength in the range of approximately 425 nanometers to approximately 505 nanometers. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the spectrum has a peak intensity at an electromagnetic wavelength in the range of approximately 435 nanometers to approximately 488 nanometers. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the spectrum has reduced wavelength components in a range of 425 nanometers to 505 nanometers in the emitted light. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the spectrum has reduced wavelength components in the range of approximately 435 nanometers to approximately 488 nanometers. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a filter coupled to the light source and configured to generate filtered light by reducing wavelength components in a range of 435-488 nanometers in the filtered light. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , configured to suppress melatonin production of humans within the architectural space, the spectrum having a peak intensity at an electromagnetic wavelength in the range of 435 nanometers to 488 nanometers. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , configured to facilitate melatonin production of humans within the architectural space, the spectrum having reduced wavelength components in the range of 435 nanometers to 488 nanometers. 
     
     
         13 . An architectural space, comprising:
 an installed architectural light source configured to emit light for ocular illumination of the architectural space and the emitted light having a spectrum based on a pre-established action spectrum identified as stimulating or regulating at least one of circadian, photoneural or neuroendocrine systems in a human.   
     
     
         14 . The architectural space of  claim 13 , wherein the spectrum is variable to either: (i) increase peak intensities at an electromagnetic wavelength in the range of approximately 425 nanometers to approximately 505 nanometers or (ii) reduce intensities of light in the range of approximately 425 nanometers to approximately 505 nanometers. 
     
     
         15 . The architectural space of  claim 13 , wherein the spectrum has a peak intensity at an electromagnetic wavelength in the range of approximately 425 nanometers to approximately 505 nanometers. 
     
     
         16 . The architectural space of  claim 13 , wherein the spectrum has reduced wavelength components in a range of 425 nanometers to 505 nanometers in the emitted light. 
     
     
         17 . The architectural space of  claim 13 , further comprising a filter coupled to the architectural light source and configured to generate filtered light by reducing wavelength components in a range of 435-488 nanometers in the filtered light. 
     
     
         18 . The architectural space of  claim 13 , wherein the architectural light source is configured to suppress melatonin production of humans within the architectural space, the spectrum having a peak intensity at an electromagnetic wavelength in the range of 435 nanometers to 488 nanometers. 
     
     
         19 . The architectural space of  claim 13 , wherein the architectural light source is configured to facilitate melatonin production of humans within the architectural space, the spectrum having reduced wavelength components in the range of 435 nanometers to 488 nanometers. 
     
     
         20 . The architectural space of  claim 13 , wherein the architectural space is a home. 
     
     
         21 . The architectural space of  claim 13 , wherein the architectural space is a school. 
     
     
         22 . The architectural space of  claim 13 , wherein the architectural space is a work place. 
     
     
         23 . The architectural space of  claim 13 , wherein the architectural space is a public facility.