WO2016145064A1

WO2016145064A1 - Systems and methods for controlling illumination relative to the circadian function of individuals using eyewear

Info

Publication number: WO2016145064A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/021538
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin MOORE-EDE; Doros PLATIKA; Irene FASSLER; Ken APPLEMAN; Harish ROA; Anneke HEITMANN; Udo Trutschel; Mark Smith; John Luciani
Original assignee: Circadian Zirclight Inc.
Priority date: 2015-03-09
Filing date: 2016-03-09
Publication date: 2016-09-15

Abstract

An apparatus for effecting a circadian outcome for an individual is provided, the apparatus including an article of eyewear that disposed relative to one or both eyes of an individual, the article of eyewear having one or more filter elements configured to controllably attenuate spectral components of light incident on the eyewear; the spectral components are in circadian-active wavelength ranges; and the one or more filter elements are controlled based on at least information associated with a circadian outcome of the individual. Related systems, methods and computer program products are provided.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING ILLUMINATION RELATIVE TO THE CIRCADIAN FUNCTION OF INDIVIDUALS USING EYEWEAR

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a non-provisional of, and claims all benefit, including priority, of U.S. Application Nos. 62/130,413 and 62/130,420 filed on March 9, 2015, incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0001] Some embodiments relate generally to the field of optics and more particularly to the use, control and/or configuration of eyewear adapted to maintain or otherwise affect the circadian rhythms of one or more individuals.

INTRODUCTION

[0002] Lighting may involve the use of light to illuminate various objects and environments so that individuals are able to visually perceive their surroundings. Light may be in various wavelengths and intensities, and have various characteristics, such as color, spread, polarization, correlated color temperature (CCT), color rendering index (CRI), Duv, chromaticity, etc.

[0003] Light sources may include both natural lighting (e.g., sunlight, light from clouds, light reflected from various surfaces) and artificial light sources (e.g., light fixtures, emergency lighting, floodlights). Artificial light may be provided by various technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent lights, tungsten lights, etc.

[0004] Light having spectral components from particular wavelength ranges of light may impact the circadian functioning of one or more individuals exposed to the light.

[0005] Conventional eyewear may be used by an individual in various contexts, and may include one or more fashion, corrective and/or polarized lenses. However, an individual may still be exposed to light having spectral components in the wavelength ranges that may impact the individual's circadian functioning. SUMMARY

[0006] In an aspect, there is provided an apparatus for effecting a circadian outcome for an individual, the apparatus comprising: an article of eyewear having one or more filter elements adapted to attenuate spectral components of light incident on the eyewear, the spectral components including at least spectral components within one or more circadian- active wavelength ranges; and a color correction element coupled to the article of eyewear adapted for providing corrective compensation or attenuation in relation to one or more non- circadian active wavelength ranges, the color correction element modifying characteristics of light provided to the individual through the article of eyewear such that a perceived color of light passing through the article of eyewear more closely approximates unfiltered light.

[0007] In an aspect, the one or more circadian-active wavelength range attenuated by the one or more filter elements include a blue wavelength range that begins at one of the following wavelengths: 425 nm, 426 nm, 427 nm, 428 nm, 429 nm, 430 nm, 431 nm, 432 nm, 433 nm, 434 nm, and 435 nm, and ends at one of the following wavelengths: 475 nm, 476 nm, 477 nm, 478 nm, 479 nm, 480 nm, 481 nm, 482 nm, 483 nm, 484 nm, 485 nm, 486 nm, 487 nm, 488 nm, 489 nm, 490 nm, 491 nm, 492 nm, 493 nm, 494 nm, and 495 nm.

[0008] In an aspect, the one or more circadian-active wavelength range attenuated by the one or more filter elements include a green wavelength range that begins at one of the following wavelengths: 485 nm, 486 nm, 487 nm, 488 nm, 489 nm, 490 nm, 491 nm, 492 nm, 493 nm, 494 nm, 495 nm, 496 nm, 497 nm, 498 nm, 499 nm and 500 nm, and ends at one of the following wavelengths: 540 nm, 541 nm, 542 nm, 543 nm, 544 nm, 545 nm, 546 nm, 547 nm, 548 nm, 549 nm, 550 nm, 551 nm, 552 nm, 553 nm, 554 nm, 555 nm, 556 nm, 557 nm, 558 nm, 559 nm, and 560 nm.

[0009] In an aspect, the one or more circadian-active wavelength range attenuated by the one or more filter elements include a wavelength range that begins at one of the following wavelengths: 425 nm, 428 nm, 429 nm, 430 nm, 431 nm, 432 nm, and 435 nm, and ends at one of the following wavelengths: 540 nm, 545 nm, 546 nm, 547 nm, 548 nm, 549 nm, 550 nm, 551 nm, 552 nm, 553 nm, 554 nm, 555 nm, and 560 nm. [0010] In an aspect, wherein the spectral components in circadian-active wavelength ranges are attenuated by a percentage selected from the group of percentage ranges including equal to or at least 95%, equal to or at least 96%, equal to or at least 97%, equal to or at least 98%, equal to or at least 99%, equal to or at least 99.5% and equal to or at least 99.9%.

[0011] In an aspect, the one or more filter elements differ in a level of attenuation of spectral components in a blue wavelength range between about 430 nm to 490 nm and a level of attenuation of spectral components in a green wavelength range between about 490 nm to 550 nm. [0012] In an aspect, the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges include selected wavelength ranges within a range of about 490 nm - 700 nm.

[0013] In an aspect, the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges include visible light in at least one of green, red, yellow, orange, and amber wavelengths.

[0014] In an aspect, the one or more filter elements are disposed on a top portion of lenses on the article of eyewear such that the spectral components of light exposed to the lower retina of the individual are attenuated by the one or more filter elements.

[0015] In an aspect, the one or more filter elements comprise a first set of one or more filter elements disposed on a top portion of one or more lenses on the article of eyewear and a second set of one or more filter elements disposed on a bottom portion of the one or more lenses on the article of eyewear.

[0016] In an aspect, the color correction element causes attenuation of the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges based at least on an attenuation profile indicative of attenuation at specific wavelengths within the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges. [0017] In an aspect, the color correction element is incorporated within the one or more filter elements and the one or more filter elements are adapted to cause attenuation in the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges in accordance with the attenuation profile.

[0018] In an aspect, the attenuation profile includes attenuating the second set of wavelengths through one or more attenuation notches provided that cause attenuation of wavelengths of about 585 nm and about 630 nm.

[0019] In an aspect, the one or more filter elements is adapted for the transmission of equal to or less than a percentage selected from 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, and 5% of light incident in the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges.

[0020] In an aspect, the one or more filter elements are adapted for attenuation such that the proportion of the power of incident light provided below and above a predefined wavelength is maintained following the application of the one or more filter elements through the attenuation profile.

[0021] In an aspect, wherein the article of eyewear is any one of eyeglasses, bifocal eyeglasses, progressive eyeglasses, a monocle, a monocular, binoculars, a goggle, a visor, a contact lens, contact lenses, ocular implants, a virtual reality headset, an augmented reality headset, safety glasses, industrial eye protection classes, fit-over glasses worn over prescription eyewear, and optical equipment.

[0022] In an aspect, the one or more filter elements comprise planes of polycarbonate, Trivex, glass, plastic, coatings or suitably configured films. [0023] In an aspect, the one or more filter elements are configured to controllably attenuate spectral components of light incident on the eyewear; and wherein the one or more filter elements are controlled based on at least received electronic information associated with the circadian outcome of the individual.

[0024] In an aspect, the one or more filter elements have light-transmission properties that are electrically or optically adjustable.

[0025] In an aspect, the one or more filter elements are electro-chromatic materials. [0026] In an aspect, the electro-chromatic materials include at least one of suspended particular devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, micro-blinds, and nano-crystals.

[0027] In an aspect, the electro-chromatic materials include at least transition metals, including at least one of tungsten oxide (W03), titanium dioxide (ΤΊ02), and nickel oxide. [0028] In an aspect, the one or more filter elements have light-transmission properties that are adjustable through the variation of at least one of temperature and pressure.

[0029] In an aspect, the color correction element includes one or more active light emission sources that provide corrective compensation by providing light in non-circadian active wavelength ranges, including at least light in violet wavelength ranges. [0030] In an aspect, the apparatus further includes a control system that is provided a current circadian state of an individual and the control system is configured to control the operation of the one or one or more filter elements to effect a circadian outcome, the circadian outcome based on at least electronic circadian state information; and wherein the control system includes at least a processor, non-transitory computer readable media and computer-readable memories.

[0031] In an aspect, the circadian outcome is extracted or estimated from the electronic circadian state information.

[0032] In an aspect, the one or more filter elements is controlled based at least on the extracted or estimated circadian outcome and such control, in response to changes in predicted circadian state of the individual, varies over a period of time in relation to at least one of (i) the level of attenuation in at least one of circadian-active wavelength ranges and (ii) the level of attenuation in the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges.

[0033] In an aspect, the circadian outcome is the maintenance of a current circadian state of the individual. [0034] In an aspect, the maintenance of the current circadian state includes at least one of maintaining unchanged (i) a phase of a circadian rhythm of the individual, (ii) an amplitude of a circadian rhythm of the individual, and (iii) a periodicity of a circadian rhythm of the individual. In one embodiment, at least two, or all of the above remain unchanged in the maintenance of the current circadian state.

[0035] In an aspect, the circadian outcome is the entrainment of the current circadian state of the individual to an entrained circadian state. [0036] In an aspect, the entrainment of the current circadian state includes at least one of changing (i) a phase of a circadian rhythm of the individual, (ii) an amplitude of a circadian rhythm of the individual, and (iii) a periodicity of a circadian rhythm of the individual. In one embodiment, at least two, or all of the above are changed in entrainment.

[0037] In an aspect, the control system comprises a controllable element that controls the operation of the one or more filter elements, the controllable element including at least one of an electronic switch, a manual switch, a transistor switch, a wireless switch, a variable resistor, and a tap input switch receiving inputs from an accelerometer.

[0038] In an aspect, the control system comprises one or more light sensors that configured to detect characteristics of light that are incident on the article of eyewear. [0039] In an aspect, the one or more light sensors are configured to detect at least one of (i) intensities of light in green or blue wavelength ranges, and (ii) durations of exposure to light in the green or blue wavelength ranges.

[0040] In an aspect, the one or more light sensors include at least one of photodiodes, photo-detectors, chemical detectors, pixel sensors, charge-coupled devices (CCD), biosensors, proximity sensors, quantum dots, photo resistors, and phototransistors.

[0041] In an aspect, the control system establishes a feedback loop using sensory information from the one or more light sensors to adjust one or more characteristics of operation of the one or more filters and/or the color correction element, including at least one of an amount of attenuation of the spectral components within one or more circadian-active wavelength ranges and an amount of compensation or attenuation in relation to one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges. [0042] In an aspect, the control system includes one or more sensors adapted to monitor when an individual is wearing the article of eyewear.

[0043] In an aspect, the control system receives biological information indicative of circadian state from a biological sensor and establishes a feedback loop using the biological information to control operating characteristics of the color correction element.

[0044] In an aspect, at least one of the one or more light sensors are positioned or disposed on an upper half of the article of eyewear such that light incident to a lower half of retina of the individual is detected.

[0045] In an aspect, the control system is configured to periodically communicate information to the processor regarding the spectral composition of current lighting conditions; and the processor is configured to determine a timing of the natural day in a geographical region of the article of eyewear.

[0046] In an aspect, the control system is coupled to at least one of (i) the article of eyewear, (ii) a smart watch, and (iii) a mobile device. [0047] In an aspect, the timing is determined from at least one of (i) a clock coupled in the apparatus, (ii) an external clock, (iii) a wirelessly transmitted external signal, and (iv) a satellite signal.

[0048] In an aspect, upon determining the timing of the natural day in the geographical region of the article of eyewear, the processor is then configured to schedule cycling on and off of the one more filter elements.

[0049] In an aspect, the apparatus further includes non-transitory, computer readable memories to store circadian related electronic information, including at least one of (i) a circadian state of an individual, and (ii) a circadian timing within the circadian state.

[0050] In an aspect, the non-transitory, computer readable memories are coupled to at least one of (i) the article of eyewear, (ii) a smart watch, and (iii) a mobile device. [0051] In an aspect, the article of eyewear includes a communication unit adapted for establishing a communication link with a lighting control system, the communication unit periodically or continuously transmitting a signal indicating at least one of (i) whether the individual is wearing the article of eyewear, (ii) the current circadian state of the individual, and (iii) control parameters utilized in the control of the one or more filter elements.

[0052] In an aspect, there is provided a method for controlling an apparatus as described herein, comprising: receiving from the one or more light sensors a signal when light having circadian-significant light intensity in circadian active wavelengths is detected; determining whether the individual's circadian timing system is in a nocturnal state or a diurnal state; and if the individual's circadian timing system is in a nocturnal state, controlling the one or more filter elements to attenuate light in the one or more circadian-active wavelengths if the one or more light sensors indicate that light having circadian-significant light intensity in the one or more circadian-active wavelengths is detected.

[0053] In various further aspects, the disclosure provides corresponding systems and devices, and logic structures such as machine-executable coded instruction sets for implementing such systems, devices, and methods.

[0054] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Other embodiments are capable and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0055] Many further features and combinations thereof concerning embodiments described herein will appear to those skilled in the art following a reading of the instant disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0056] In the figures, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and figures are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding. [0057] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein in the figures:

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates one example of an indoor environment, having artificial lighting provided by ceiling troffer panels, pendant fixtures and wall sconces, with or without a control unit according to some embodiments. [0059] Figure 2 is an illustration of eyewear that includes lenses disposed relative to a frame, according to some embodiments.

[0060] Figure 3 is an illustration of an alternative where the eyewear is a contact lens, according to some embodiments.

[0061] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a sample set of one or more filters, according to some embodiments.

[0062] Figure 5 is an annotated 1931 CIE chart having a white oval indicating a preferred bound of points where white or nearly white light may be provided, according to some embodiments.

[0063] Figures 6 and 8 are sample spectral power distribution diagrams illustrating the use of the one or more filtering elements to attenuate spectral components outside of a circadian-active wavelength range to compensate for various characteristics of the light being provided to the individual, according to some embodiments.

[0064] Figures 7 and 9 are annotated 1931 CIE charts, according to some embodiments.

[0065] Figure 10 is a graph illustrating the transmission curves of the filters and transmission glasses, according to some embodiments. [0066] Figure 11 is a graph illustrating resultant transmitted light, according to some embodiments.

[0067] Figure 12 is an annotated 1931 CIE chart depicting the color shifts through the use of compensation, according to some embodiments. [0068] Figure 13 is a sample illustration of the eye of an individual, indicating where the superior retina (upper portion of the eye) may be located, and the inferior retina (lower portion of the eye) may be located, according to some embodiments.

[0069] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a computing device, exemplary of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus are described through reference to the drawings.

[0071] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. Lighting Effects on Circadian Processes

[0072] The maintenance of proper human circadian function has adapted over time as until the implementation of electric lighting, most people were exposed to bright natural light (e.g., 1 ,000-100,000 lux) during the daylight hours and to darkness or very dim light (e.g., 0 to 10 lux) during the night. [0073] The regularly timed cycle of day and night resulting from the earth's rotation on its axis, and the seasonal modulation in day and night duration as the earth rotated around the sun, provided a predictably timed substantial contrast in light exposure intensity during day as compared to the night.

[0074] Human physiology, and the body systems that promote health and survival, were optimized over the course of evolution to operate most effectively under this high-contrast day-night light exposure cycle using an internal circadian timing system of biological clocks (circadian pacemakers) which oscillate with a near 24-hour periodicity and which are normally synchronized by the timing of light detected by a specialized set of photoreceptors in the eyes.

[0075] This circadian timing system enables the body to predict the onset of dawn and dusk and adjust physiological and behavioral systems to more effective states for the day or night ahead.

[0076] The circadian timing system is regulated by the master circadian clock located in the Suprachiasmatic Nuclei (SCN), a cluster of cells in the hypothalamus which receives transduced light-dark time cue signals via the retino-hypothamic tract from the retinal ganglion cells, and distributes timing signals via endocrine and neural pathways to the various systems of the body to ensure they are kept in synchronicity with day and night.

[0077] Circadian rhythms may be observed in various physiological functions including, but not limited to, sleep/wake cycle, feeding times, mood, alertness, cognitive function, cell proliferation and gene expression in various tissue types. [0078] Various tissues and cell types contain independently oscillating cellular clocks, such as the liver, kidney and pancreas, among others, and are able to function autonomously through circadian expression of their "clock genes", although they are normally modulated and synchronized by the central SCN clock.

[0079] In the absence of environmental light cues, the SCN, and the circadian oscillators it synchronizes, will continue to generate a regularly timed circadian cycle but will drift in phase and become desynchronized from the external day-night cycle, and may become internally desynchronized from each other. [0080] Among the key endocrine regulators used by the SCN to transmit transduced light- dark and circadian phase information to the systems of the body and initiate reparative and other protective functions at night are the neurohormone melatonin and the adrenal hormone Cortisol. [0081] Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is the principal hormone of the pineal gland, and mediates many biological functions, particularly the timing of those physiological functions that are controlled by the duration of light and darkness. Melatonin is synthesized from tryptophan through serotonin, which is N-acetylated by the enzyme n-acetyl transferase or NAT, and then methylated by hydroxyindol-O-methyl transferase. [0082] The enzyme NAT is the rate-limiting enzyme for the synthesis of melatonin, and is increased by norepinephrine at the sympathetic nerve endings in the pineal gland. Norepinephrine is released at night or in the dark phase from these nerve endings. Thus, melatonin secretion may be strongly influenced by the daily pattern of light and dark exposure. [0083] The release of high levels of melatonin during darkness at night is essential to healthy body functions. Melatonin has been shown to have various functions such as chronobiotic regulation, immunomodulation, antioxidant effects, regulation of the timing of seasonal breeding and oncostatic effects.

[0084] Evidence of oncostatic effects of melatonin that have been shown in vitro, and in animal studies, suggest a key role in suppressing tumors and protecting against the proliferation of cancer cells, including human breast and prostate cancer.

[0085] Low levels of nocturnal melatonin release may be associated with breast cancer, prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, depression, anxiety, migraines and other life threatening or debilitating conditions.

[0086] In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition that melatonin may confer protection from disease, and lower levels of melatonin have been associated with a wide variety of diseases and chronic conditions. The scope of this relationship may be potentially far-reaching, and may include cancers, cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and coronary artery disease, metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and type II diabetes, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, migraine headaches, and psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, etc. In some diseases, such as cancer, there appears to be an inverse linear relationship between melatonin levels and disease risk, such that lower melatonin levels are associated with a significant increase in disease risk. Furthermore, there is no clear "threshold" for this relationship, suggesting that any loss of endogenous melatonin due to light exposure at night would be associated with relatively increased disease risk. [0087] For this reason, there may be a need to minimize circadian disruption due to light at night, and protect neuroendocrine rhythms such as melatonin.

[0088] The introduction of artificial lighting (e.g., electric lighting), and the transition from a primarily outdoor agricultural economy to an indoor industrial and information economy has created a world where people may be exposed to biologically-significant levels of light at various hours of day and night, and to relatively reduced illumination during the daylight hours.

[0089] Figure 1 illustrates one example of an indoor environment, having artificial lighting provided by ceiling troffer panels, pendant fixtures and wall sconces, with or without a control unit according to some embodiments. [0090] The indoor environment 100 may be, for example, various locations where individuals are exposed to light from artificial lighting sources, such as workplaces, hospitals, schools, homes, etc., and in these environments 100, there may be light that is provided by a variety of sources. While ceiling troffer panels 102, pendant light fixtures 103 and wall sconces 104 are illustrated by way of example, the lighting sources may include any object that emits light, such as lighting strips, device screens, bioluminescent objects, etc.

[0091] In these environments 100, there may be various individuals present who are exposed to light from the various light sources, such as ceiling troffer panels 102 pendant light fixtures 103 and wall sconces 104. Often, white light is provided from lights utilizing conventional technologies (e.g., incandescent lights, LED lights, tungsten lights, fluorescent lights, neon lights) that provide light that comprises light in a variety of wavelengths. Accordingly, individuals may be exposed to particular wavelengths of light that may have various impacts on circadian function, such as the suppression of various natural functions, etc.

[0092] The exposure of the individuals to these wavelengths of light may lead to potentially significant adverse effects on human health, safety and performance as there may be disruption the circadian timing system by evening, nocturnal or irregularly timed light exposure. [0093] For example, melatonin release at night may be disrupted by a number of mechanisms related to the disruption of the natural day-night cycle of light exposure. Bright daylight exposure (such as in the range of 10,000 - 100,000 lux) promotes high levels of melatonin release during nocturnal darkness, but spending daytime indoors at reduced level of lights (such as in a range of 100-500 lux) or in dim light or darkness results in suppressed levels of nocturnal melatonin.

[0094] Nocturnal light exposure whether it be from electric lights, computer, tablet or smart phone display screens may significantly suppress melatonin secretion. Reduced levels of light or darkness during the day may increase the sensitivity of melatonin to nocturnal light exposure and may increase the suppression of melatonin. [0095] Light exposure during the night may create phase shifts and internal desynchronization of the multioscillator circadian timing system. Reduced light exposure during the day may create increased sensitivity to the phase-shifting and internal desynchronization effects of light exposure at night.

[0096] Accordingly, individuals working and/or living on schedules that expose them to increased light at night and reduced light during the day may have suppressed levels of melatonin with flattened amplitudes and/or disrupted circadian timing of melatonin release.

[0097] These adverse effects of light at night are primarily mediated by the non-image forming (NIF) visual pathways involving the melanopsin containing retina ganglion cells, the retino-hypothamic tract, the SCN and the pineal gland. Melatonin suppression is one of several diverse NIF physiological responses to light.

[0098] Other NIF responses include the pupillary light reflex, the acute effects of light on core body temperature and alertness, and resetting ("shifting") the phase of the master circadian SCN pacemaker.

[0099] The NIF system is light intensity dependent and light pulse duration dependent. Under normal day-night cycles, dim white light at night (e.g., below 20 lux) does not significantly suppress nocturnal melatonin levels or phase shift the circadian timing system.

[00100] Increasing levels of illumination, and/or durations of light exposure, at night results in greater suppression of nocturnal melatonin, and/or larger phase shifts of the circadian system (such as when the light pulses are delivered at the same phase of the circadian phase response curve).

[00101] Human NIF responses to light may also be dependent on light wavelength as responses may differ depending on the particular wavelengths of light contained within light provided from a particular light source.

[00102] Short wavelength blue light can suppress endogenous melatonin production and may trigger other NIF responses, including circadian phase shifting during dusk, dawn and nocturnal hours, and promote circadian timing system entrainment during daytime hours and achieving increased levels of human alertness and performance. [00103] The sensitivity of NIF responses to blue light may be due to the presence of a type of photoreceptor in the retina. These photoreceptors, named intrinsically sensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), contain a photopigment named melanopsin, which has a peak spectral sensitivity in the blue portion of the visible light spectrum with evidence of peak sensitivity at approximately 480 nm. These ipRGCs are directly connected to central nervous system targets, including the SCN and other targets in the hypothalamus, which may control diverse NIF behaviors. [00104] A number of studies further indicate that, in scenarios comparable to real-world light-dark exposure, blue light sensitivity may exist in the NIF responses of individuals exposed to polychromatic "white" lights with different spectral composition, as measured by correlated color temperature (CCT). [00105] CCT is a metric derived by comparing the appearance of a light source to that of a hypothetical black body heated to incandescence. A black body is an object that absorbs all electromagnetic radiation, and because of this it appears black. When a black body object gets hotter, it changes color: from red to orange, then to yellow, white and finally blue. The temperature of a black body object is measured on the thermodynamic temperature scale in degrees Kelvin (K). The CCT of a particular light is the temperature (in K) of a heated black body object that most closely resembles the color of that particular light.

[00106] The conventional understanding of the relationship between CCT and spectral power of a light source is that lights with low CCTs, typically described as "warm", emit a relatively greater proportion of longer wavelength visible light, and are yellowish in appearance. As CCT increases, it becomes more "cool", the relative amount of short wavelength light emitted by the light source increases, and the light appears more bluish. Lights most commonly used for applications range from -1700 to -6500 K, and a CCT of 6500 K represents sunlight.

[00107] Because of this relationship between CCT and spectral power of a light, and the sensitivity of the human NIF responses to short wavelength light, lights with a higher CCT (i.e., containing more short wavelength blue light) would be expected, and have been shown to, have a relatively larger impact on melatonin suppression and other NIF responses.

[00108] This impact can be beneficial when used during the daytime, when human circadian clocks normally receive light exposure. For example, high CCT blue-enriched light may potentially improve mood, alertness, and performance in an office setting during the daytime, compared to lamps of a lower CCT. High CCT light may also be more effective than those of a lower CCT for promoting circadian synchronization with the day/night cycle in the Antarctic winter, where the natural light/dark cycle is absent. [00109] However, exposure to light with a higher CCT during the night would be expected, and may potentially cause greater melatonin suppression and circadian disruption.

[00110] Further, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) published in 2014 a fact sheet describing the impacts of various lights on several aspects of human physiology, including the NIF responses of the circadian system. The fact sheet reiterates the generally accepted view that the impact of light on human NIF responses is dependent upon the CCT of the light, rather than the type of light itself (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, LED, etc.). The conclusion was that "... CCT can be used as an effective predictor of short-wavelength content across various light source types, and specifically as a predictor of... circadian stimulation."

[0011 1] Despite the established relationship between short wavelength light, CCT, and stimulation of the circadian system, most night shift workers work under light levels that will suppress melatonin regardless of CCT. Although light with a higher CCT may predictably cause more melatonin suppression and circadian disruption, at light levels commonly used in most night work settings (100-300 lux), even lamps with low CCT may emit sufficient short wavelength light to suppress melatonin and cause circadian disruption. The implication of this finding is that preventing circadian disruption and melatonin suppression may require substantial alterations of the CCT of the light night shift workers are exposed to.

[00112] One of alternative approaches to preventing light-induced circadian disruption has been to filter out all short wavelengths below a certain threshold, thus eliminating the wavelengths of light that most effectively suppress melatonin and stimulate other NIF responses. For example, studies have been conducted that may indicate that wearing nonprescription glasses or ophthalmic eyewear that filter out wavelengths shorter than some wavelengths (e.g., 540 nm or 530 nm) prevents significant melatonin suppression during nocturnal light exposure. Likewise, studies show that light-induced melatonin can potentially be significantly reduced by wrapping a filter around a fluorescent lamp tube to eliminate wavelengths < 530nm at the light source.

[00113] Although effective for protecting melatonin and other circadian rhythms, the practical utility of these methods may be limited as the complete absence of short wavelength light may lead to reduced contrast, which presents safety concerns for some night workers, among other deficiencies.

[00114] Removing all short wavelength (blue) light from our color vision may also have the effect of providing a markedly yellow hue, which may be unacceptable in some scenarios and/or applications. Workers may be reliant on their visual acuity in engaging in manual labor, operating machinery and/or in occupations requiring manual dexterity. Further, workers may also rely on their visual acuity for color discrimination to visually distinguish between various objects or parts of objects.

[00115] For example, a surgeon's ability to perform surgery may be adversely impacted if the lights being utilized in the operation room have certain wavelengths removed, as the contrast between organs and bodily fluids may be reduced. Similarly, a factory worker may find the experience of working in an environment having lighting that appears to be different from what the worker considers normal lighting uncomfortable and/or confusing.

[00116] Accordingly, the lighting industry has sought to provide high quality "white light" with high color rendering to provide the visual acuity and color discrimination necessary for performing indoor tasks at any hour of day or night when they wish to work or undertake other activities utilizing visual perception.

[00117] Most lighting installations in the workplace specify a correlated color temperature (CCT, typically in the 3,000 to 5000K range), a color rendering index (CRI of approximately 80 or above) and an illumination level at the work surface of approximately 100-500 lux. Further, high quality white light may be defined as light having light falling within a particular chromaticity tolerance range (e.g., close to the Planckian loci).

[00118] There may be various ergonomic, safety, and/or regulatory requirements related to the characteristics of lights provided in some environments, such as workplaces, factories, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, etc.

[00119] Further, there may be government energy policies driving the replacement of traditional light sources such as incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent lighting fixtures with energy-efficient light sources. [00120] The energy-efficient light sources, which because of various technological and manufacturing limitations (e.g., such as those experienced in LED production) may potentially increase the risk of blue light exposure.

[00121] The residential, industrial and commercial lighting market may further be transitioning from incandescent, halogen and fluorescent lighting to LED lighting, driven by the potential improvements in energy efficiency (lumens per watt), the reduced lifetime cost of LED lighting (LCOL), and the opportunity to integrate smart lighting controls. For example, by 2020, some projections indicate that LED lighting may achieve a 46% penetration of the market for industrial and commercial lamps increasing to 75% by 2030. Government energy conservation policy, rebates and business economics may drive the replacement of current lighting by LED sources. Many of these LED luminaires and bulbs, because of manufacturing limitation and cost considerations in a very competitive market, utilize LED chips which pump blue light that contains light in various wavelength ranges that may impact circadian function (e.g., blue light in the 440-480 nm spectral wavelength range) and hence may potentially induce harmful effects of light at night.

[00122] There are two conventional approaches currently offered to reduce the harmful biological effects of blue wavelength light exposure at night and to entrain the human circadian systems to the diurnal phase of the 24-hour environmental light-dark cycle and promote alertness and performance during the day and sleep at night. [00123] The first is to vary illumination level and provide dim light at night and bright light during the day.

[00124] The second is to reduce CCT during nocturnal hours and increase it during the day.

[00125] There appear to be some deficiencies with both of these approaches to address human circadian system sensitivity to certain wavelengths of light (e.g., blue wavelength (420-520 nm) light) as the approaches appear to compromise some of the purposes for which people use electric light, such as the expectation and need of individuals of high quality light with sufficient color rendering and color temperature for accomplishing their indoor and/or night time tasks.

[00126] Accordingly, there may be various limitations to these approaches of relying on varying light intensity and/or color temperature to manage the circadian timing system, and these limitations may have limited the adoption and/or implementation of circadian-healthy lighting applications.

[00127] Another significant limitation of current optics and/or lighting solutions (e.g., eyeglasses or sunglasses) is that they are agnostic to the individuals being illuminated by them (e.g., an individual's particular circadian state). [00128] At the same geophysical time of day different individuals exposed to illumination may have markedly different circadian phases, depending on their prior history of work-rest schedules, and/or sleep-wake schedules as a result of working rotating shift work schedules, recent trans-meridian time zone travel, or their individual orientation to the day night cycle. Individuals vary considerably in their orientation to day and night on a morningness- eveningness scale.

[00129] Morning types tend to rise early and they feel and perform best during the morning hours. Evening types tend to rise late in the morning and they feel at their best late in the evening. It has recently been shown that these characteristics are genetic in nature, manifested in differences in circadian periodicity and entrainment that are independent of age, sex and ethnic heritage.

[00130] Some individuals may also be unavoidably exposed to light. For example, an individual may have limited mobility and may, by reason of physical disability, injury, or due to the nature of their work or activity being performed, be unable to move sufficiently to avoid exposure. For these individuals, there may be potential detrimental impacts resultant from exposure to light as the light may impact their circadian functioning and, for example, cause irregular sleeping/waking schedules.

[00131] For example, a patient disposed on a bed at a hospital may not be able to move sufficiently to avoid exposure to light present in a hospital room. [00132] Recent studies have also pointed to a significant contribution by green light wavelengths to melatonin suppression and circadian phase-shifting, suggesting that exposure to these wavelengths should be controlled in addition, to or independently from controlling blue wavelength exposure. [00133] A study indicated that monochromatic green light (555 nm) during the first 2 hours of a 6.25 hour period of exposure starting approximately 2 hours before a person's habitual bedtime was almost as effective as blue light exposure (460 nm) in suppressing melatonin.

[00134] However, the study also indicated that the effectiveness of green light in suppressing melatonin appeared to decay exponentially over the six hours of exposure, whereas the effectiveness of blue light remained constant. The study speculated that this rapid decay was due to the temporal response properties of the medium and long wavelength cone photoreceptors that the study authors suggested were driving the response.

[00135] Rather than a duration-dependent decay in the effectiveness of green light to suppress melatonin, this observed decline may instead represent a circadian variation in the spectral sensitivity of melatonin suppression. With this alternative interpretation of the data, light-induced melatonin suppression and circadian phase-resetting may be especially sensitive to green light in the early biological evening, with a decline in this sensitivity across the biological night-time. [00136] Further studies have indicated that under naturalistic conditions (e.g., where pupils are not pharmacologically dilated, etc.), green light in the evening and early biological nighttime may be as effective or, in some scenarios, more effective than blue light and that the relative effectiveness of green light decreases across a night, such that blue light is relatively more effective than green light for influencing circadian responses in the late night and early morning hours.

[00137] Accordingly, systems may also need to be adapted and/or configured to not only protect for blue evening light exposure, but also protect from certain green wavelengths that may be biologically active at specific evening and early night-time hours. For the remainder of the biological night-time, protecting from blue light exposure only may be sufficient for reliable protection of circadian rhythms.

Eyewear Adapted for Operation in Relation to Circadian Function

[00138] Eyewear may be described in some embodiments below wherein the eyewear may be adapted to, configured to and/or manufactured in relation to the circadian processes of one or more individuals wearing the eyewear. The eyewear, for example, may be used to maintain and/or protect circadian functioning, entrain an individual's circadian processes (e.g., intentionally causing a phase shift, modifying periodicity, modifying amplitude, correcting circadian rhythms, adjusting to a change in time zones, adjusting to shift work hours), etc. In some embodiments, entraining a circadian process includes at least one, at least two of, and at least all of intentionally causing a phase shift, modifying periodicity, and modifying amplitude.

[00139] Potential applications include use by shift workers, travellers, individuals exposed to light from artificial light sources during a time of circadian night relative to their circadian rhythms, individuals seeking to normalize their circadian rhythm, etc.

[00140] Eyewear may include various types of eyewear, such as eyeglasses (e.g., spectacles, piano eyeglasses, corrective eyeglasses, reading eyeglasses, bifocals, trifocals, progressive eyeglasses, adjustable eyeglasses, sunglasses, fashion eyeglasses, monocles, transition eyeglasses, clip-on sunglasses), goggles (e.g., swimming goggles, safety goggles, fashion goggles, sports goggles, night vision goggles, medically required goggles), visors (e.g., hockey helmet visors, welding masks), contact lenses (e.g., soft contact lenses, hard contact lenses, corrective contact lenses, cosmetic contact lenses, including for all cases smart contact lenses), ocular implants (e.g., Second Sight's Argus II™), etc.

[00141] Eyewear may also include various implantables, such as replacement lenses (similar to those used in operations to replace the lenses within an eye to remedy cataracts), retinal implants, intraocular implants, etc.

[00142] Eyewear may also include devices that may be adapted to fit over existing eyeglasses, such as Cocoon™ branded fit-over sunglasses, Solar Shield™ branded eyewear, and devices for use after eye surgery, etc. The devices may be designed to fit- over, wrap around, snap on to, etc., other eyewear and may be disposed such that one or more lenses on the devices will impact the light being provided to the wearer of the eyewear. A potential advantage to using eyewear adapted to fit over or wrap around other eyewear is the ability to attenuate light not only being provided from directly in front of the eyewear, but also the ability to attenuate light that is arriving from a peripheral source of light.

[00143] In some embodiments, eyewear also includes optical equipment, such as microscopes, telescopes, binoculars, monoculars, rifle scopes, etc. [00144] The eyewear may be used indoors, outdoors, etc., in various environments where an individual could be exposed to light. In some embodiments, the eyewear is used in parts of world where there is an uneven exposure to natural light during the course of a day (e.g., Iceland in the summer where the sun is visible for a large proportion of a 24-hour day). The eyewear may also be used in environments where an individual may be exposed to artificial light during various times of the day, such as during a time that would naturally fall under a circadian night according to the circadian processes of an individual. The potential benefits for these individuals may include the ability to achieve a desired circadian rhythm despite the presence of environmental lighting (e.g., natural lighting or artificial lighting) that would otherwise be disruptive to the circadian functioning of these individuals. [00145] The eyewear may be used by more than one individual over a period of time. For example, the eyewear may be used by a first shift worker and then given to another shift worker at the end of the first shift worker's shift.

[00146] In some embodiments, eyewear may be framed eyewear, having one or more lenses that may be incorporated into and/or removable from an eyewear frame. In some embodiments, the eyewear may consist of a lens, such as contact lenses, ocular implants, etc. Where the eyewear is framed eyewear, the lenses, for example, may fit within the frames through one or more notches, etc., or may be a friction fit. In some embodiments, the lenses may be configured to be easily removable by hand from a frame (e.g., pop-out lenses), and may be, for example, replaced by other lenses (e.g., popping in another set of lenses). In some embodiments, the eyewear may be one or more lenses or lens materials, such as coatings, intermediate layers, etc.

[00147] The eyewear is configured relative to the circadian functioning of one or more individuals. The eyewear selectively and/or permanently attenuates incident light in relation to one or more wavelength ranges that may impact circadian functioning of an individual.

[00148] Where the eyewear selectively attenuates incident light, the attenuation of incident light may be switched automatically (e.g., based on a control signal and/or manually (e.g., based on the operation of a switch).

[00149] Figure 2 is an illustration 200 of eyewear that includes lenses disposed relative to a frame, according to some embodiments.

[00150] The eyewear may include a frame 202, a first lens 204, a second lens 206, a sensor 208 and a control system 210. The frame 202 may be adapted so that the eyewear is disposed on or about the head of an individual and the individual may be able to see through the first lens 204 and/or the second lens 206. [00151] The first lens 204 and second lens 206 may be configured for an eye of the individual, and may have various properties, such as visual correction (e.g., myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism), orientations (e.g., toric lenses), divergence / convergence, etc. There may be different components of the first lens 204 and the second lens 206, for example, there may be different parts having different characteristics (e.g., bifocals, trifocals, progressive). In some embodiments, the lens may also contain features for adjustable focus (e.g., electro-optical, opto-mechanical lenses).

[00152] The first lens 204 and the second lens 206 may also include one or more filter elements that may be built-into the lens or provided as accessory that may be attached to the frame 202 of the lens. The filter elements may cover all or a portion of the first lens 204 and/or the second lens 206.

[00153] Figure 3 is an illustration 300 of an alternative to Figure 2 where the eyewear is a contact lens, according to some embodiments. The contact lens 306 may be disposed within an eye 302 of an individual. The contact lens 306 may include one or more filter elements 304. The one or more filter elements 304 may be disposed within, on top (e.g., as a coating), behind the contact lens 306. In some embodiments, the filter elements 304 are embedded and/or otherwise disposed relative to a contact lens 306 and may be controllable via instructions and/or signals transmitted by an control system 210 that may be external to the contact lens 306, which may be in communication with one or more sensors 208 that may also be external to the contact lens 306. In some embodiments, the contact lens 306 may have a control system 210 and/or one or more sensors 208 embedded in the contact lens 306. [00154] Figure 4 is an exploded view 400 of a sample set of one or more filters, according to some embodiments. Figure 4 shows a sample electro-chromatic filter where there may be different layers of filtering elements 402a..402n, such as films, containment films, liquid crystal layers, conductive layers, etc. There may be other layers, such as anti-fog films, antiglare etc. Similar filters may be applied to various types of eyewear, such as contact lenses, eyeglasses, optical devices, etc.

[00155] Some of the filter elements may have electrical connections to a power supply 404. Some filter elements may be conductive, while others are insulating, or may change depending on one or more applied electrical signals. In some embodiments, the filter elements may also change and/or adapt based on other inputs other than electrical signals, such as ambient light being provided (e.g., transition lenses), pressure, temperature, movement, etc.

[00156] The filter elements are configured to attenuate light incident to the lenses in particular wavelength ranges that may impact circadian functioning of individuals otherwise exposed to light having circadian-significant spectral components in those wavelength ranges. The attenuation, for example, may range from a 95% attenuation to 100% attenuation, and may include any percentage in between, such as 95%, 98%, 99.5%, 99.9%, etc.

[00157] The wavelength ranges may be "blue" wavelength ranges, such as ranges between approximately 430 nm to approximately 490 nm. The wavelength range may vary in either direction, for example, +/- 5 nm. In some embodiments, a wavelength range attenuated by the filters may begin at one of the following wavelengths: 425 nm, 426 nm, 427 nm, 428 nm, 429 nm, 430 nm, 431 nm, 432 nm, 433 nm, 434 nm and 435 nm. In some embodiments, a wavelength range attenuated by the filters may end at one of the following wavelengths: 475 nm, 476 nm, 477 nm, 478 nm, 479 nm, 480 nm, 481 nm, 482 nm, 483 nm, 484 nm, and 485 nm. Any wavelength ranges in between any of these ranges may also be used, according to some embodiments. For example, a blue wavelength range may begin at one of the following wavelengths: 425 nm, 426 nm, 427 nm. 428 nm, 429 nm, 430 nm, 431 nm, 432 nm, 433 nm, 434 nm.and 435 nm, and end at one of the following wavelengths: 475 nm, 476 nm, 477 nm, 478 nm, 479 nm, 480 nm, 481 nm, 482 nm, 483 nm, 484 nm, 485 nm, 486 nm, 487 nm, 488 nm, 489 nm, 490 nm, 491 nm, 492 nm, 493 nm, 494 nm, and 495 nm.

[00158] The wavelength ranges may be "green" wavelength ranges, such as ranges between approximately 495 nm to approximately 570 nm. The wavelength range may vary in either direction, for example, +/- 5 nm. In some embodiments, a wavelength range attenuated by the filters may begin at one of the following wavelengths: 490 nm, 493 nm, 494 nm, 495 nm, 496 nm, 497 nm, and 500 nm. In some embodiments, a wavelength range attenuated by the filters may end at one of the following wavelengths: 565 nm, 567 nm, 568 nm, 569 nm, 570 nm, 571 nm, 572 nm, 573 nm, 574 nm, and 575 nm. Any wavelength ranges in between any of these ranges may also be used, according to some embodiments. For example, a green wavelength range may begin at one of the following wavelengths: 485 nm, 486 nm, 487 nm, 488 nm, 489 nm, 490 nm, 491 nm, 492 nm, 493 nm, 494 nm, 495 nm, 496 nm, 497 nm, 498 nm, 499 nm, and 500 nm, and end at one of the following wavelengths: 540 nm, 541 nm, 542 nm, 543 nm, 544nm, 545 nm, 546 nm, 547 nm, 548 nm, 549 nm, 550 nm, 551 nm, 552 nm, 553 nm, 554 nm, 555 nm, 556 nm, 557 nm, 558 nm, 559 nm, and 560 nm.

[00159] The filter elements may be adapted such that when the filter elements are blocking light in a particular circadian-active wavelength range, there may be substantial transmission in other non-circadian-active wavelength ranges. For example, where the filter elements are adapted for blocking light in the blue wavelength ranges, there may be significant transmission in the non-blue wavelength ranges, such as green (notwithstanding any further color correction). Similarly, where the filter elements are adapted for blocking light in the blue and the green wavelength ranges, there may be significant transmission in the non-blue wavelength ranges and non-green wavelength ranges, such as violet (notwithstanding any further color correction). [00160] In some embodiments, the filter elements are not only adapted to attenuate spectral components of light incident on the eyewear within one or more circadian-active wavelength ranges, but also to correct to color by providing corrective compensation or attenuation in relation to one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges. The corrective compensation or attenuation includes modifying characteristics of light provided to the individual such that a perceived color of light passing through the article of eyewear to the one or both eyes of the individual more closely approximates unfiltered light.

[00161] For example, selected non-circadian active wavelength ranges may be attenuated to adjust an overall coloration (or other optical characteristics) of light provided to the individual. These non-circadian active wavelength ranges may further be selected taking into consideration optical transmission characteristics of the article of eyewear itself (e.g., eyeglasses, contact lenses may have inherent transmission characteristics that may be adjusted for). The attenuation may be conducted through the use of controllable filters, or non-controllable filters. The use of controllable filters may provide for an adjustable level of adjustment of non-circadian active wavelength ranges, for example, adjusted in response to sensed environmental lighting, etc.

[00162] In eyewear where there is active powering or an active control system, corrective compensation may be provided through the form of an activation of a violet light source, various phosphors, light injection units, etc., which are controlled to actively increase spectral distribution in particular wavelength ranges. [00163] In some embodiments, the filter elements may be planes of glass and/or plastic (e.g., polycarbonate, polyester), films, etc. The filters may also be part of the lens material. The filter materials may include one or more coatings, etc. [00164] The filters may be disposed on top of, in the middle of (e.g., sandwiched between lens materials) and/or behind of the lens. The filters may be placed on the lens and/or frame 202, through for example, the use of threads, notches, friction fits, mechanical mechanisms (e.g., a swing arm), etc. [00165] Filter elements may be absorptive filters, or dichroic filters. The filter elements may be adapted to absorb, reflect, refract, etc., the incident light in various wavelengths.

[00166] The filter elements may be controlled in various ways. In some embodiments, the filter elements may have adjustable filtering capabilities. These filters may be electrically controlled or optically controlled, example control methods including, for example: (1) variation of the amplitude of an applied voltage (e.g., with a variable gain amplifier), (2) variation of an amplitude of an applied current (e.g., with a programmable current sink), (3) variation of resistance (e.g., with an integrated circuit containing a resistance ladder and solid-state switches), (4) variation of voltage, current, and/or resistance between "on" and "off states", with asynchronous control of the elements from (1),(2), and (3), and (5) variation of average amplitude of voltage, current, and/or resistance using pulse width modulation between an "on" and an "off state", providing synchronous control of the elements from (1),(2), and (3).

[00167] The filter elements may have activatable filtering capabilities provided, for example, by various chromatic materials associated with the first and/or the second lens. Chromatic materials may be materials that change light transmission properties under various conditions, such as the application of voltage (electro-chromatic), pressure, and/or heat (thermo-chromatic).

[00168] The control and/or adjustment of the filter elements may, for example, be used such that there is a transmissive zone or zones for visible light in the violet wavelength ranges, an attenuation zone or zones for visible light in the circadian-active wavelength ranges (e.g., the blue and/or blue/green wavelength ranges), and a selective transmissive zone or zones for visible light in the wavelength ranges above the circadian-active wavelength ranges). [00169] These filter elements, for example, may cause various "notches" to result in the spectral power distribution. For wavelengths around the "notches", there may be significant attenuation of power. The "notches", for example, may be positioned in selected wavelength ranges above the circadian-active wavelength ranges such that color compensation may be effected while maintaining the circadian protective and/or entraining features of the eyewear.

[00170] The filters may have various response characteristics, and may, for example, be tuned to vary attenuation in specific wavelength ranges based on various inputs, such as the circadian state of an individual, a desired circadian entrainment regime and/or characteristics of sensed and/or known ambient lighting. In some embodiments, the attenuation characteristics of the filters may also be tuned by an individual, through the use of a manual control, a user interface, etc.

[00171] Electro-chromatic materials may include materials with suspended particular devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, micro-blinds, nano-crystals, etc. Transition metals may be used in the development and/or generation of electro-chromatic materials, including, for example, tungsten oxide (W0₃), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), nickel oxide, etc.

[00172] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a sample set of one or more filters, according to some embodiments. Figure 4 shows a sample electro-chromatic filter where there may be different layers of filtering elements 402a..402n, such as films, conductive layers, etc. There may be other layers, such as anti-fog films, etc. Similar filters may be applied to various types of eyewear, such as contact lenses, eyeglasses, optical devices, etc.

[00173] Electro-chromatic materials may be used, for example, to attenuate the transmission of specific spectral wavelength ranges, such as 'green' and/or 'blue' wavelength ranges as described above, to attenuate and/or eliminate spectral components of light in those ranges so that individuals are exposed to reduced or none of the spectral components of light in those ranges. [00174] The electro-chromatic materials may be disposed relative to and/or in the first lens and the second lens. The electro-chromatic materials may be selectively operated through providing various electrical signals to the electro-chromatic materials.

[00175] In some embodiments, the eyewear also includes one or more sensors that may be used to detect various inputs, such as characteristics of light that are incident on the eyewear, such as light in the 'green' or 'blue' wavelengths, the movement and/or position of the individual, etc. For example, the one or more sensors may include photodiodes (e.g., wavelength-sensitive diodes), photo-detectors, chemical detectors, pixel sensors (e.g., CMOS image sensors), charge-coupled devices (CCD), quantum dots, photo resistors, phototransistors, and/or various types of sensors that may be used to determine power in various wavelength ranges of light, such as in 'green' or 'blue' wavelengths. The sensors may be able to detect information such as light intensity, CCT, CRI, the directionality of light, etc. Other sensors may be used, such as gyroscopes, location sensors (e.g., GPS), accelerometers, etc. [00176] The one or more sensors may be used to detect the levels of ambient light provided to an individual, including the spectral power distribution of the ambient light. This information, for example, may be used in various ways, such as controlling the operation of the filters such that the filters are able to selectively attenuate incident light in non-circadian active regions (e.g., above the blue/green wavelength ranges) so that the overall light received by an individual may have one or more characteristics (e.g., a white/near-white color/tint).

[00177] In some embodiments, there may be various biological (or biochemical) sensors, such as sensors that are used to capture sweat, body temperature, oxygen saturation levels, etc., and information may be provided by these sensors that may be used in relation to the control system in, for example, determining a schedule related to the operation of the one or more filter elements.

[00178] The eyewear may also include or be provided in association with a control system 210. While control system 210 is depicted in Figure 2 as on the eyewear itself, control system 210 may also reside in, for example, a smart watch, a tablet computer, a mobile device, a personal computer, etc. Where the control system 210 resides externally to the eyewear, a communication link may be established to periodically or continuously transmit signals for controlling the operation of controllable components of the eyewear, such as controllable filters, violet light sources, phosphors, etc. [00179] In some embodiments, the control system 210 is and/or includes a timer. In some embodiments, the control system 210 may include various aspects, such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a power source (e.g., a battery, photovoltaic cells), a data storage device, etc. The control system 210 may be configured to control the operation of the electro-chromatic materials disposed relative to the first lens and the second lens in relation to the individual wearing the eyewear's circadian functioning. Information related to the operation of the electro- chromatic materials by the control system 210 may be recorded and/or tagged. For example, the date and time stamps of when the electro-chromatic materials are activated, deactivated, etc.

[00180] The one or more sensors may be configured for communication with the control system 210. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors or the control system 210 may be configured to record information captured on computer readable media. The light information provided by the one or more sensors may have various metadata and/or elements of information associated with the light information, such as date or time stamps, etc. [00181] The information may be communicated by the control system 210 to one or more external interfaces, for example, a worker/employee database or various computing devices, such as mobile applications on mobile devices, tablets, laptop computers, etc. For example, information related to whether a shift worker is using the eyewear properly may be communicated, and may include, for example, how often the shift worker manually turns off the control system, how often the shift worker is actually wearing the eyewear (e.g., through the use of a pressure switch, a temperature sensor).

[00182] In some embodiments, the control system 210 may be configured to determine the effectiveness of the system, for example, through direct and/or indirect monitoring of various attributes associated with one or more individuals. The monitoring may be provided from internal and/or external sources. For example, the control system 210 may operate in communication with a mobile application stored and/or executed on an individual's mobile device that tracks sleeping habits and/or the quality of sleep. The control system 210 may be configured to provide notices when the quality of sleep has diminished, or where the quality of sleep has been enhanced. The monitoring may further be utilized in the form of various feedback loops, for example, feedback loops that actively control the operation of controllable elements or compensation based on a measured effectiveness of circadian protection.

[00183] In some embodiments, the control system 210 is configured to receive and/or otherwise be provided information relative to the individual's circadian functioning, such as the individual's circadian state, the individual's desired circadian state, various entrainment programs, etc. In some embodiments, the control system 210 is provided and/or may be configured to generate a schedule that may be related to the individual's circadian functioning. [00184] In some embodiments, the control system 210 is configured to determine whether the individual's circadian processes are in a circadian nocturnal state or a circadian diurnal state, or any state in between. In some embodiments, the circadian states are actual circadian states, and in some embodiments, the circadian states are desired circadian states. [00185] In some embodiments, the control system 210 may be configured to determine that the eyewear is already in a circadian-controlled and/or circadian appropriate environment. For example, a related provisional application describes the use of one or more control systems configured to control the operation of one or more light sources in an environment. In these environments, the eyewear may not be necessary to protect the circadian functioning of the individual, and accordingly, the control system 210 may be configured to transmit a notification to the individual that the eyewear is not required for use in the environment. A determination may be made by the control system 210 through the sensing of characteristics of light, or in some embodiments, through communication with one or more devices related to the management and/or operation of light sources in the environment. [00186] In some embodiments, the control system 210 may be configured to tune various parameters and/or aspects related to the control and/or operation of the one or more filtering elements. For example, a feedback loop (e.g., using a proportional, integrative derivative feedback loop) may be used in relation to biometric, biological and/or circadian effectiveness data, which may tune the ranges of wavelengths that may be attenuated by the one or more filtering elements. The ranges of wavelengths may be expanded, contracted, there may be more or less attenuation, the duration of time may be modified, the filtering response relative to received and/or detected incident light characteristics, etc. The one more filtering elements may be comprised of smart filters, such as filters that may be able to be tunable to attenuate wavelengths in differing ranges (e.g., an electro-chromatic filter whose capabilities for attenuation may vary depending, at least in part, on an applied voltage potential).

[00187] The control system 210 may be controlled through a controllable element (e.g., switch 212). The controllable element may include, for example, at least one of an electronic switch, a manual switch, a transistor switch, a wireless switch, a variable resistor, and a tap input switch receiving inputs from an accelerometer.

[00188] The switch 212 may toggle the operation of the control system 210 and/or various aspects of the operation of the filtering elements. The switch 212, for example, may be used to toggle the operation of the filtering elements, such as flipping from an on/off state.

[00189] For example, upon detecting the operation of the switch 212, the control system 210 may be configured to cause the filtering elements to revert to a default state (e.g., no filtering, some filtering, fully activated filtering) prior to turning off the operation of the control system 210.

[00190] In some embodiments, the switch 212 is a manual switch (e.g., an on/off button).

[00191] In some embodiments, the switch 212 is a tap sensor (e.g., capable of sensing and/or discerning from other shocks, a tap on the frame of the eyewear by a wearer, which tap is then understood by the process to signal a controlling event).

[00192] In some embodiments, the control system 210 may be configured for operation of the electro-chromatic filtering elements based on a determined circadian state or a schedule associated to the circadian functioning of an individual. For example, the one or more sensors may communicate with the control system 210 information regarding the spectral components of lighting received by the sensors. This information may be compared against the desired and/or current circadian state of the individual (e.g., whether it should be a circadian day, a circadian evening or a circadian night for the individual) and may adapt the electro-chromatic filtering elements accordingly. For example, an individual may have a wish to have a schedule where the circadian day begins at 6:00 AM, the circadian evening begins at 6:00 PM, and a circadian night begins at 9:00 PM. The control system 210 may be configured to use this information in selectively operating various filter elements of the eyewear based on the provided schedule.

[00193] For example, if the control system 210 determines that the time is currently a circadian night for the individual and the sensor indicates that the light received by the individual has circadian-significant components in the blue light and/or green light wavelength ranges, the control system 210 may operate the filtering elements to protect and/or help maintain the circadian functioning of the individual during this period of time.

[00194] In some embodiments, the control system 210 may be configured to operate during a circadian day of an individual.

[00195] During a circadian day, the control system 210 may control the filter elements to attenuate a portion of the spectrum of visible light in circadian active wavelengths such that a particular spectral power distribution and/or intensity is achieved. In some embodiments, a range, a minimum or maximum amount of circadian active light may be indicated for entrainment, as there may be a particular amount of light in circadian active wavelengths required for entrainment, but too much of this light may be damaging. This may be helpful, for example, when the individual is in an environment where there is a large amount of light being provided, such as at the beach during the day time. The amount of attenuation may depend, for example, based on characteristics of ambient light detected by the one or more sensors.

[00196] Different wavelength ranges of visible light may be filtered differently by the filter elements. For example, the filters may control the transmission of light such that transmission in the violet wavelength ranges is greater than 80%, 85%, 90% (or any percentage in between or higher), transmission in the blue and/or green wavelength ranges is less than 5%, 3% or 1 % (or any percentage in between or lower), and transmission for some wavelengths in ranges above the blue and/or green wavelength ranges is less than 40% or 30% (e.g., or any percentage in between or lower). The percentage of transmission is relative to the power of the ambient light in these wavelengths.

[00197] In some embodiments, during a circadian day, the control system 210, using information received from the one or more sensors may operate the filtering elements such that light being provided to an individual has no more than 50 lux in a blue wavelength range.

[00198] In some embodiments, the control system 210 may comprise one or more components that indicate the time of day and/or region of an individual. For example, the time and region may be predefined and/or pre-set variables. In some embodiments, the time and/or region may be provided by an external system, or determined by the control system 210 through, for example, GPS and a look-up table of GPS coordinates, patterns of detected light, patterns of movement by an individual, etc.

[00199] The control system 210 may comprise various components for communications and/or interfaces with external systems, including, for example, the ability for wired (e.g., a USB port, a serial connection, a Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) connection) and/or wireless communications (radios, Bluetooth, 802.11 compliant wireless, cellular transmissions, etc.). The control system 210 may, for example, communicate data with an external computing device, allowing, for example, communication of scheduling and/or other configuration information to the eyewear, such as a schedule of times for turning on and off an electrically- activated filter, an individual's circadian schedule, an individual's circadian entrainment protocol, etc.

[00200] Communications may be implemented via a multitude of current and legacy connection protocols including Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, USB, serial, infrared, NFC, WiFi, ANT+, etc. The interface, in some embodiments, may also be implemented using appropriate application programming interfaces (APIs). [00201] The control system 210 may be configured to communicate over one or more networks. The one or more networks may include the internet, intranets, point to point networks, etc. Networking technology may include technologies such as TCP/IP, UDP, WAP, etc. The control system 210 may be configured to obtain and/or otherwise determine a timing of the natural day in a geographical region of the article of eyewear, for example, from (i) a clock coupled to the eyewear, (ii) an external clock (e.g., as provided by a smart watch, a mobile device, a lighting control system), (iii) a wirelessly transmitted external signal (e.g., from a WiFi signal) , and/or (iv) a satellite signal (e.g., timing and/or GPS data).

[00202] In some embodiments the control system 210 may receive and/or otherwise generate a schedule that is intended for the alteration of the circadian state of a wearer. For example, the schedule may be configured to entrain the circadian state of the wearer through advancing a circadian state, delaying a circadian state, disrupting circadian states, and/or otherwise phase shifting circadian states.

[00203] The schedule may determine when the control system 210 operates the filter elements, for example, ensuring that the electrically-activated filter elements are turned off during times and/or conditions when the wearer should be exposed to light of wavelengths in the blue or blue green wavelength range, and turned on during times when the wearer should be prevented from being exposed to light in blue or blue green wavelength range.

[00204] In some embodiments, the control system 210 may be configured to communicate with a system that controls the operation of light sources. For example, the eyeglasses may be controlled in conjunction with the light sources based, in part, on communication between various systems. The color correction (e.g., through corrective compensation or corrective attenuation) may be provided by external light sources. For example, a violet light source may be activated on one or more external light sources to provide color correction to an individual wearing the eyewear, in conjunction or alternate to a violet light source being activated in the eyewear to inject violet light. In one embodiment where there is a compensation factor (e.g., a violet light source), this compensation factor may be external to the glasses but controlled by the glasses. [00205] In some embodiments, the control system 210 may be configured to provide notifications to an individual indicating when to put on and/or take off the eyewear, and may also track whether the eyewear is being used at all (e.g., a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a contact sensor). For example, information may be received (e.g., from a light sensor) that indicates that the ambient lighting in an environment matches the circadian needs of the individual (e.g., the individual may in a room where a system has already controlled the lighting to match the individual's circadian state). In this situation, the control system 210 may notify the individual that the eyewear can be removed. Conversely, when the individual is exiting the environment and/or entering the ambit of a light source that may not be providing light, the control system 210 may notify the individual that eyewear should be put on again. In some embodiments, control system 210 monitors (e.g., frequently or continuously) the ambient light levels and conducts comparisons against the circadian needs of the individual. Notifications may be provided on a real or near-real time basis.

[00206] In some embodiments, the eyewear may include light sources that may be physically connected or form part of the eyewear. These light sources may be used to 'inject' light having various characteristics into the eyewear, for example, changing the color of light provided to the eyes of an individual to aid in color compensation. These light sources may be controlled by the control system 210. For example, the eyewear may include, for example, a violet light source as part of the elements comprising the eyewear. Such a system may be used for entrainment, for example, increasing the amount of blue wavelength light provided during a circadian day, etc., or compensation, increasing the amount of violet light to offset color deficiencies as various wavelengths are attenuated and/or reduced. The injection of color may, for example, be controlled in response and/or to augment detected environmental light as well (e.g., not only to address the attenuated wavelengths, but may also take into consideration the spectral composition of light incident to the eyewear and also the transmission characteristics of the eyewear itself).

[00207] In some embodiments, the control system 210 is adapted for interoperation with a lighting control system that controls the operation of external light sources. For example, the control system 210 may register with the external lighting control system to indicate that a particular individual has configured circadian protective eyewear and the external lighting control system may, in some embodiments, coordinate protection and/or entrainment of circadian processes with the optical characteristics of the eyewear. For example, such coordination may prevent redundant protection. In some embodiments, control system 210 transmits a message to the external lighting control system indicative of whether the individual is actually using the eyewear.

[00208] Studies have indicated that the directionality (e.g., the angle of incidence) of light provided from various light sources may have an impact on the potential circadian effects on individuals who are exposed to the light.

[00209] Light from lighting systems, when delivered from above the plane of visual focus (thus striking the lower retina) may have a greater circadian effect than light from these lighting systems when delivered from below the plane of visual focus (thus striking the upper retina), and/or light from lighting systems at the plane of visual focus. The plane of visual focus may be, for example, at an eye level, etc. An eye level may be determined by the vertical mid-point of an eye, or any other level based on the positioning and/or orientation of the eye. In some embodiments, an eye level is determined by and extends from the vertical mid-point of an individual's eye when the eye is in the supine position. In some embodiments, an eye level is determined by and extends from the midpoint of an individual's eye in a direction that the eye is aimed towards (e.g., the eye level and/or plane of visual focus may depend on the angle a person's eye is angled towards). [00210] For example, light delivered from above the plane of visual focus may have a greater effect on the circadian functioning of an individual as compared to a similar lighting system delivering light at and/or below the plane of visual focus, even if the light sources have a same and/or identical spectral power distribution.

[0021 1] Light may be provided directly from lighting sources, or in some cases, may be provided as light reflecting from various surfaces, such as mirrors, polished surfaces, etc.

[00212] Light that reaches the lower half of the retina (e.g., light that enters the eye from above in a person sitting or standing erect) can produce more circadian stimulus efficacy (in terms of melatonin suppression) than light that reaches the upper half of the retina (e.g., light that enters the eye from below in a person sitting or standing erect).

[00213] Without wishing to be bound to a theory, this effect is believed to be related to the topography of ganglion cell distribution in the eye, and may be as a result of human adaptation to the largest naturally-occurring source of circadian-active light, the sky.

[00214] In some embodiments, eyewear is provided wherein an upper portion of lenses associated with the eyewear may include one or more filters and/or have been treated with a filtering material which attenuates and/or eliminates wavelengths of light in a circadian-active range (e.g., only allowing blue-depleted and/or green depleted light to pass through that portion of the lens). Such eyewear may, for example, be worn by individuals seeking to avoid circadian-stimulating light.

[00215] An upper portion, for example, may include 75% of the lens from the top frame of the eyewear, 50%, 25%, 10%, 5%, or any range in between. In some embodiments, the eyewear having an upper and a lower portion may be incorporated into bi-focals and/or progressive lenses.

[00216] Eyewear may be configured to controllably attenuate and/or filter incoming light received through an upper portion of lenses depending on a particular desired circadian function and/or outcome. For example, the eyewear may include lenses that may vary the level of filtering and/or attenuation of various wavelength ranges of light and the variation may be controllable. The eyewear may be controlled according to various circadian schedules (e.g., on a timer, based on instructions received from a control system 210) to adaptively attenuate and/or filter the incoming light.

[00217] Having regard to various tasks (e.g., reading & detailed work tasks), the filtering of all 430 nm - 490 nm blue may render it difficult to discern certain blue colors. [00218] There may be a need for a configuration of eyewear where there may be an upper lens (e.g., covering an upper portion of the lens) filtering 430 nm - 490 nm blue from lighting above the plane of vision for an individual (e.g., from overhead lighting), and a lower lens (e.g., covering a lower portion of the lens) with no and/or partial 430 nm - 490 nm filtering. [00219] In some embodiments, selective controllable filters may be used to control the upper and lower portion of a lens to have different attenuation profiles in relation to circadian active wavelengths (e.g., blue and/or green light), such that an individual may be able to use the lower portion of the lens to conduct tasks requiring the circadian active wavelengths while being protected from circadian active wavelengths directed to the upper portion of the lens.

[00220] A potential application of such an embodiment may be for use in a workplace, where the eyewear may be adapted to allow workers at night to see blue color information (e.g., on a page or computer screen). There may be inclusion of these types of filters in bi- focals, progressive prescription lenses on eyeglasses, etc.

Example Embodiments

[00221] In some embodiments, a method (and device) for protecting the eyes of individuals from specific spectral wavelengths of visible light during nocturnal phases of the circadian day-night cycle and permitting the eyes to receive those specific spectral wavelengths of visible light during the daytime phases of the circadian day-night may be provided.

[00222] The method and/or device may be implemented using eyewear that includes one or more filtering elements associated with one or more lens that may be controlled by a control system that operates the one or more filter elements to cause various circadian effects on the individual wearing the eyewear. For example, the control system may be configured to determine where an individual is, or the schedule of an individual, and cycle and/or transition through various filtering states depending on one or more desired circadian outcomes. The location of an individual may be determined through manual input, automatic detection (e.g., a location sensor such as a GPS sensor or WiFi/cellular triangulation), etc. There may, for example, be a look up table based on the position of an individual that may be used in conjunction with a calendar date.

[00223] The control system may cycle and/or transition through various modes for day, evening and/or night, thereby controlling the one or more filter elements to selectively attenuate wavelengths in circadian active wavelength ranges corresponding to the desired mode (e.g., no attenuation, attenuation to maintain a particular desired level of blue and/or green wavelength light, attenuating blue wavelengths, attenuating green/blue wavelengths).

[00224] In some embodiments, the control system may also maintain various characteristics (e.g., overall tint of color, CCT, CRI) of light being provided to the individual through the lens by attenuating other visible wavelength regions (e.g., orange and/or red light).

[00225] The control system may determine the amount of attenuation required in other visible wavelength regions to compensate for the attenuation of circadian active wavelength ranges through making various calculations and/or applying one or more algorithms to determine a satisfactory balance of wavelengths. For example, an algorithm may be based on balancing the proportions of power in the visible spectrum below 430 nm and the visible spectrum above 490 nm before and after the application of one or more filter elements.

[00226] For example, the "notches" of wavelength attenuation caused by the filters elements may be moved, more notches may be used, etc., such that the light provided through the eyewear to the individual retains a white and/or near-white quality.

[00227] White or near-white, in some embodiments, may be defined as any point within the oval as provided in Figure 5.

[00228] Figure 5 is an annotated 1931 CIE chart 500 having a white oval indicating a preferred bound of points where white or nearly white light may be provided, according to some embodiments. As indicated in Figure 5, the area is between approximate X coordinates of 0.18-0.54, and approximate Y coordinates of 0.23-0.48. This may be the boundaries where an individual may perceive that light is "white" or near "white".

[00229] Figures 6 and 8 are sample spectral power distribution diagrams 600 and 800 illustrating the use of the one or more filtering elements to attenuate spectral components outside of a circadian-active wavelength range to compensate for various characteristics of the light being provided to the individual, according to some embodiments. Note that the wavelengths greater than 480 nm (in some embodiments wavelengths greater than 490 nm) have also been attenuated to compensate such that the overall color of light provided to the individual may maintain a comparable color to the incident light (e.g., so that the light does not have an orange / red hue after the blue / green spectral components are attenuated).

[00230] The samples in Figures 6 and 8 are provided as examples only. The line 604 illustrate a spectral power distribution of light provided by a light source (e.g., a GE-LED source). The line 606 illustrate a spectral power distribution after the glasses having a filtering component denoted by the line 602 are used. The use of the transmission glasses as indicated by the line 606 shows that the overall color of light provided may be yellow/orange/red in color given the proportion of light in various wavelength ranges.

[00231] The line 608 indicate eyewear where compensation is applied to the wavelength ranges between 480-720 nm ranges (in some embodiments, compensation is applied to the wavelength ranges between 490-720 nm ranges). For example, there are various "notches" provided around approximately 585 nm and 630 nm that help transition color of the overall light provided to a color that may appear to be white or "near-white" to an individual. Figure 8 provides a more sophisticated spectral power distribution of the transmission profile (e.g., permitting transmission in the 400-430 nm range). The "notches" may be provided by notch filters attenuating light in a specific wavelength range, such as a range of 1 nm, 5 nm, 10 nm, etc. Accordingly, a device or apparatus may be provided in some embodiments having substantial transmission or attenuation in various wavelengths may also include a plurality of notch filters that together form all or part of a color compensating element. For example, the notch filters may attenuate a percentage selected from the group of percentages of 5% or lower, 3% or lower, or 1 % or lower of wavelengths in a wavelength range selected from the group of ranges of less than 5 nm, less than 10 nm, and less than 20 nm.

[00232] Figures 7 and 9 are annotated 1931 CIE charts 700 and 900, according to some embodiments. Figures 7 and 9 illustrate (with the up arrow), where the color of light (without compensation) may tend towards as a result of the filtering of blue and/or green light. Note that the light is then outside of the oval of perceived white and/or near-white light. The compensation causes the color of light to shift, as indicated by the down arrow, to another point within the 1931 CIE chart. [00233] Two different eyewear filter solutions are presented for reducing the yellow color perceived when wearing eyewear which blocks circadian active wavelength light in the <480nm range or 430-480nm range. In some embodiments, filter solutions are presented for blocking circadian active wavelength light in the <490 nm range or 430 nm-490 nm range [00234] Figure 6 is a graph 600 that depicts the use of some eyewear with some lights. The line 602 represents glasses that filter all wavelengths of visible light below approximately 480 nm using a cut off filter. The line 604 shows a spectral analysis (a Spectral Power Distribution, or SPD) of the light transmitted to an individual wearing no eyewear or normal non-filtered eyewear in a room illuminated by a typical commercial blue- pump LED. The line 602 depicts the relative light transmission of circadian eyewear that filters all wavelengths below 480 nm, White light from the environment transmitted through these 480 nm cut off filter eyewear (line 606) is perceived as a yellow color. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to balance that yellow color, to move it closer to white in appearance, through the addition of two notch filters, one centered at approximately 575 nm and one centered at approximately 640 nm, and this is shown at line 608. While the example provided is indicative of a filter cut-off at 480 nm, in some embodiments, a cut-off at 490 nm is applied.

[00235] Figure 7 depicts color shifts plotted on a CI E 1931 chromaticity diagram 700. The upward-pointing arrow starts at the nearly white light produced by the unfiltered LED lit environment, and ends at the yellow light produced by the 480 nm cutoff filter. The downward pointing arrow shows how, with the addition of the notch filters at 575 and 640 nm, the light appearance returns to nearly white, albeit at a different color temperature. While the example provided is indicative of a filter cut-off at 480 nm, in some embodiments, a cut-off at 490 nm is applied. [00236] Figures 8 and 9 depict another embodiment for color correction when eyewear is used with a notch filter at approximately 430-480 nm (in some embodiments, 430 nm - 490 nm). Figure 8 is a graph 800 illustrative of relative power density plotted against wavelength. The addition of the two higher wavelength notch filters centered at approximately 545 - 605 nm (e.g., at 575 nm) and centered at approximately 610 nm - 670 nm (e.g., at 640 nm) may improve the whiteness of the color appearance of light passing through the glasses. As with Figure 6, the line 802 shows the relative light transmission of the eyewear without color correction, the line 804 shows the SPD of the source LED room lighting, and the lines 806 and 808 show the SPDs of the light passing through the glasses without (806) and with the addition (808) of the two higher-wavelength notches, respectively. Figure 9 depicts the color shifts plotted on a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram 900 of the appearance of the light, as described above for Figure 7.

[00237] Figures 10-12 depict another embodiment for color correction when eyewear is used with a notch filter and a correction filter, according to some embodiments. The correction filter is applied as a secondary filter, and used in conjunction with the notch filter such that the chromaticity of the light provided to the eyes of the individual wearing the eyewear maintains a white or near-white color.

[00238] Figure 10 is a graph 1000 illustrating the transmission curves of the filters and transmission glasses, according to some embodiments. Figure 11 is a graph 1100 illustrating the resultant transmitted light, according to some embodiments. Figure 12 is an annotated 1931 CIE chart 1200 depicting the color shifts through the use of compensation, according to some embodiments. As noted in Figure 12, the color, as a result of the filtering without compensation may fall outside of the bounds of the oval depicting white or near- white light. Compensation through, for example, correction by applying various corrective filters (e.g., notch filters) and/or compensation elements may cause the color to shift back to a position within the oval.

[00239] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to adaptively control the operation of compensation elements such that light provided maintains a white and/or near- white color. For example, the control system may selectively apply one or more corrective filters (e.g., notch filters) and/or corrective filters, and may also control the operation of the filter elements for compensation (e.g., notch wavelength, level of attenuation) based on, for example, an algorithmic determination of how much compensation is needed, etc. Compensation may be balanced against, for example, the need to maintain a particular light intensity to the individual. [00240] The method and/or device may be implemented using eyewear that includes a sensor (spectral light sensing device) which may be configured to detect the incidence of light on the eyewear within a band of specific spectral wavelengths, a timing system which provides the time of day and day of year, a battery or other power source, eyewear (prescription or non-prescription (piano)) which may have an electrically-activated filtering capability provided by electro-chromatic or other material on each eyewear lens which, when in the activated state, attenuates the transmission of light wavelengths within the specific spectral wavelength band, electronic circuits which activate the films of electro-chromatic material on each eyewear lens to attenuate the transmission of the specific spectral wavelengths, and a microprocessor containing an algorithm which utilizes the time of day and seasonal timing information and additional circadian phase information describing the users current circadian state to activate the specific spectral wavelength protective film at times of day when exposure to the specific spectral wavelengths of light would be harmful to the individual wearing the eyewear device and de-activate the specific spectral wavelength protective film at times of day when exposure to the specific spectral wavelengths of light would be beneficial to the individual wearing the eyewear device, and a data storage device.

[00241] In some embodiments, a method for controlling the light provided to the eyes of an individual through the use of suitably configured eyewear is provided, comprising: receiving from the sensor a signal when light wavelengths between about 430-490 nm (or alternatively about 430 nm - 500 nm or about 430 nm - 530 nm) are detected, consulting the microprocessor to determine whether the individual's circadian timing system is in the nocturnal state or the diurnal state, consulting the microprocessor to determine if any change in circadian phase has programmed for that day and time of day, switching on the electronics to activate the nocturnal state of the protective eyewear lens film, or deactivating the protective eyewear lens film as determined by the microprocessor, attenuation of incident light transmission to the eyes within the specific spectral wavelength band of light by 99% (or alternatively, 95%, 98%, 99.5%, 99.9%) during the activated state when protection is required, and recording date and time stamps of when the protective film is activated or deactivated. [00242] In some embodiments, the lenses are mounted in typical eyeglass frames, and a manual switch is mounted in any location on the frame of the eyewear allows the electrically -activated filtering capability to be turned on or off.

[00243] In some embodiments, the eyewear further comprises a microprocessor and an accelerometer in place of the manual switch, the accelerometer capable of sensing and discerning from other shocks a tap on the frame of the eyewear by a wearer, which tap then is understood by the microprocessor to signal a controlling event, causing the electrically- activated filter to flip its on/off state, turning it on if it was off, and turning it off if it was on.

[00244] In some embodiments, the spectral light sensing device regularly sends information to the microprocessor regarding the spectral makeup of current ambient lighting conditions; from this information, gathered over time, the microprocessor makes a determination of the timing of the natural day in the region of the eyewear. Upon determining the timing of the natural day in the region of the eyewear, the microprocessor is then configured to schedule the cycling on and off of the lenses' electrically-activated filter, in order to ensure that the wearer of the eyewear is not exposed to lighting in the 430 to 490 nm range during times when those wavelengths of light would have a detrimental effect upon the wearer's health.

[00245] In some embodiments, the eyewear further includes a radio (e.g. Bluetooth, WiFi) capable of wireless communication with a computing device (e.g. a laptop; a smartphone), allowing an application on the computing device to communicate scheduling and other configuration information to the eyewear, such that a schedule of times for turning on and off the electrically-activated filter can be thus provided, in order to ensure that the wearer of the eyewear is not exposed to lighting in the 430 to 490 nm range during times when those wavelengths of light would have a detrimental effect upon the wearer's health, or would have an adverse effect upon the wearer's current circadian state.

[00246] In some embodiments, the schedule sent from the computing device to the eyewear is specifically intended to alter the circadian state of the wearer of the eyewear in a manner chosen by the user of the application on the computing device (e.g., to advance the wearer's circadian phase; to delay the wearer's circadian phase), by, in combination with information gathered through other means about the current circadian state of the wearer, ensuring that the electrically-activated filter is turned off during times that the wearer should be exposed to light of wavelengths in the about 430 to 490 nm range, and turned on during times that the wearer should be prevented from being exposed to light in the about 430 to 490 nm range.

[00247] In some embodiments, the system may be configured to determine whether an individual is awake or sleeping through, for example, the use of various sensors and/or manually input information. The determination of whether an individual is awake or sleeping may be used so that the system only controls the filter elements when the individual is awake.

[00248] In some embodiments, the system may be configured to determine whether an individual is wearing the eyewear through, for example, the use of various sensors and/or manually input information. The determination of whether an individual is wearing the eyewear may be used so that the system only controls the filter elements when the individual is wearing the eyewear.

Example Embodiments - Directionality of Light

[00249] In some embodiments, the eyewear is configured to have an upper portion of the lenses of the eyewear have been treated and/or otherwise associated with a filtering material which eliminates wavelength of light in one or more circadian-active ranges, (e.g., only allowing blue-depleted light to pass through that portion of the lens), to be worn by individuals seeking to avoid circadian-stimulating light.

[00250] Figure 13 is a sample illustration of the eye of an individual, indicating where the superior retina (upper portion of the eye) may be located, and the inferior retina (lower portion of the eye) may be located, according to some embodiments. General

[00251] Some embodiments of the devices, systems and methods described herein may be implemented in a combination of both hardware and software. These embodiments may be implemented on programmable computers, each computer including at least one processor, a data storage system (including volatile memory or non-volatile memory or other data storage elements or a combination thereof), and at least one communication interface. Program code may be applied to input data to perform some of the functions described herein and to generate output information. The output information may be applied to one or more output devices.

[00252] Throughout the foregoing discussion, numerous references will be made regarding servers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, or other systems formed from computing devices. It should be appreciated that the use of such terms is deemed to represent one or more computing devices having at least one processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer readable tangible, non-transitory medium. For example, a server can include one or more computers operating as a web server, database server, or other type of computer server in a manner to fulfill described roles, responsibilities, or functions. [00253] The foregoing discussion provides many example embodiments. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, other examples may include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, may also be used. [00254] "Circadian rhythm" is a broad term and is used herein in its ordinary sense, and, for example, generally refers to the cycle of approximately 24 hours in the physiological processes of living organisms. As discussed above, the master circadian clock in mammals is located in the Suprachiasmatic Nuclei (SCN), a group of cells located in the hypothalamus. The SCN receives information about illumination through the eyes. The retina of each eye contains special photoresponsive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) along with traditional photoresponsive rods and cones. These RGCs contain a photo pigment called melanopsin, and follow a pathway called the retinohypothalamic tract, leading to the SCN. Recently, evidence has emerged that circadian rhythms are found in cells in the body outside the SCN master clock, in other words the expression of genes in various tissues throughout the body also follows a circadian rhythm pattern. In the context of the present disclosure, a "clock gene" is a broad term and is used herein in its ordinary sense, and, for example, generally refers to a gene that follows such an expression pattern and is responsible for maintaining circadian oscillations in a specific cellular physiology. It is estimated that about 25% of the human genome shows such a periodicity in expression. There may be various states involved in a circadian rhythm, such as a day state, a night state, and/or other transitional states in between.

[00255] In the context of the present disclosure, "maintaining the circadian rhythm and/or state" of an individual is a broad term and is used herein in its ordinary sense, and, for example, generally refers to maintaining the amplitude and periodicity of the circadian oscillations observed in physiological processes including, but not limited to, melatonin and Cortisol secretion and clock gene expression that would be present in the subject exposed to the geophysical light/dark cycle.

[00256] In reference to the present disclosure, the "individual" is a broad term and is used herein in its ordinary sense, and, for example, generally is a mammal, preferably a human. There may be particular advantages conferred where the subject is a female human subject and even more advantages where the subject is pregnant.

[00257] "About" is a broad term and is used herein in its ordinary sense, and, for example, generally in the context of wavelength ranges refers to +1-5 nm. For example, a skilled person would understand that about 430 nm may also mean 429 nm or 431 nm. [00258] "Approximately" is a broad term and is used herein in its ordinary sense, and, for example, generally in the context of wavelength ranges refers to +1-5 nm. For example, a skilled person would understand that approximately 430 nm may also mean 429 nm or 431 nm.

[00259] In the context of the present disclosure, a "filter" is a broad term and is used herein in its ordinary sense, and, for example, generally is a device that substantially blocks a range of non-transmitted wavelengths of light. A "notch filter" is a filter that blocks wavelengths within a specific wavelength range, for example, in a 5 nm range, a 10 nm, range, a 15 nm range, or any ranges in between. [00260] "Substantial transmission" is a broad term wherein wavelengths of light are able to transmit through an object, such as a lens or a lens material. Substantial transmission may include, for example, transmission of 50% or greater, 60% or greater, 70% or greater, 80 % of greater, 90% or greater, 95% or greater, 96% or greater, 97% or greater, 98% or greater, 99% or greater, or 100% or greater of the light.

[00261] "Retinal exposure" is a broad term and is used herein in its ordinary sense, and, for example, generally refers to light impingement upon the retina of a subject.

[00262] "Night" is a broad term and is used herein in its ordinary sense, and, for example, generally refers to the natural hours of darkness and, more specifically, to the dark phase of the geophysical light/dark cycle. In summer, in peri-equatorial latitudes, this is roughly equivalent to about 2100 hr (9 pm) to about 0600 hr (6 am), which are the peak hours of melatonin production. "During the night" is a broad term and is used herein in its ordinary sense, and, for example, generally refers to any time during this period. In the case of methods for minimizing circadian disruption in blue and/or blue green-light, preferably, the method may be practiced during the night and/or evening.

[00263] The term "connected" or "coupled to" may include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements).

[00264] The technical solution of embodiments may be in the form of a software product. The software product may be stored in a non-volatile or non-transitory storage medium, which can be a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a USB flash disk, or a removable hard disk. The software product includes a number of instructions that enable a computer device (personal computer, server, or network device) to execute the methods provided by the embodiments. [00265] Some embodiments described herein may be implemented by physical computer hardware, including computing devices, servers, receivers, transmitters, processors, memory, displays, and networks. Some embodiments provide useful physical machines and particularly configured computer hardware arrangements. Some embodiments provide are directed to electronic machines and methods implemented by electronic machines adapted for processing and transforming electromagnetic signals which represent various types of information.

[00266] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram 1400 of computing device 1400, exemplary of an embodiment. As depicted, computing device 1400 includes at least one processor 1402, memory 1404, at least one I/O interface 1406, and at least one network interface 1408.

[00267] Each processor 1402 may be, for example, any type of general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, an integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a reconfigurable processor, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), or any combination thereof.

[00268] Memory 1404 may include a suitable combination of computer memory that is located either internally or externally such as, for example, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) or the like.

[00269] Each I/O interface 1406 enables computing device 1400 to interconnect with one or more input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, camera, touch screen and a microphone, or with one or more output devices such as a display screen and a speaker. [00270] Each network interface 1408 enables computing device 1400 to communicate with other components, to exchange data with other components, to access and connect to network resources, to serve applications, and perform other computing applications by connecting to a network (or multiple networks) capable of carrying data including the Internet, Ethernet, plain old telephone service (POTS) line, public switch telephone network (PSTN), integrated services digital network (ISDN), digital subscriber line (DSL), coaxial cable, fiber optics, satellite, mobile, wireless (e.g. Wi-Fi, WiMAX), SS7 signaling network, fixed line, local area network, wide area network, and others, including combinations of these. [00271] Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein.

[00272] Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

[00273] As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus for effecting a circadian outcome for an individual, the apparatus comprising: an article of eyewear one or more filter elements adapted to attenuate spectral components of light incident on the eyewear, the spectral components including at least spectral components within one or more circadian-active wavelength ranges; and a color correction element coupled to the article of eyewear adapted for providing corrective compensation or attenuation in relation to one or more non- circadian active wavelength ranges, the color correction element modifying characteristics of light provided to the individual through the article of eyewear such that a perceived color of light passing through the article of eyewear of the individual more closely approximates unfiltered light.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more circadian-active wavelength range attenuated by the one or more filter elements include a blue wavelength range that begins at one of the following wavelengths: 425 nm, 426 nm, 427 nm, 428 nm, 429 nm, 430 nm, 431 nm, 432 nm, 433 nm, 434 nm, and 435 nm, and ends at one of the following wavelengths: 475 nm, 476 nm, 477 nm, 478 nm, 479 nm, 480 nm, 481 nm, 482 nm, 483 nm, 484 nm, 485 nm, 486 nm, 487 nm, 488 nm, 489 nm, 490 nm, 491 nm, 492 nm, 493 nm, 494 nm, and 495 nm.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more circadian-active wavelength range attenuated by the one or more filter elements include a green wavelength range that begins at one of the following wavelengths: 485 nm, 486 nm, 487 nm, 488 nm, 489 nm, 490 nm, 491 nm, 492 nm, 493 nm, 494 nm, 495 nm, 496 nm, 497 nm, 498 nm, 499 nm and 500 nm, and ends at one of the following wavelengths: 540 nm, 541 nm, 542 nm, 543 nm, 544 nm, 545 nm, 546 nm, 547 nm, 548 nm, 549 nm, 550 nm, 551 nm, 552 nm, 553 nm, 554 nm, 555 nm, 556 nm, 557 nm, 558 nm, 559 nm, and 560 nm.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more circadian-active wavelength range attenuated by the one or more filter elements include a wavelength range that begins at one of the following wavelengths: 425 nm, 428 nm, 429 nm, 430 nm, 431 nm, 432 nm, and 435 nm, and ends at one of the following wavelengths: 540 nm, 545 nm, 546 nm, 547 nm, 548 nm, 549 nm, 550 nm, 551 nm, 552 nm, 553 nm, 554 nm, 555 nm, and 560 nm.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the spectral components in circadian-active wavelength ranges are attenuated by a percentage selected from the group of percentage ranges including equal to or at least 95%, equal to or at least 96%, equal to or at least 97%, equal to or at least 98%, equal to or at least 99%, equal to or at least 99.5% and equal to or at least 99.9%.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more filter elements differ in a level of attenuation of spectral components in a blue wavelength range between about 430 nm to 490 nm and a level of attenuation of spectral components in a green wavelength range between about 490 nm to 550 nm.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges include selected wavelength ranges within a range of about 490 nm - 700 nm.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges include visible light in at least one of green, red, yellow, orange, and amber wavelengths.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more filter elements are disposed on a top portion of lenses on the article of eyewear such that the spectral components of light exposed to the lower retina of the individual are attenuated by the one or more filter elements.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more filter elements comprise a first set of one or more filter elements disposed on a top portion of one or more lenses on the article of eyewear and a second set of one or more filter elements disposed on a bottom portion of the one or more lenses on the article of eyewear.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the color correction element causes attenuation of the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges based at least on an attenuation profile indicative of attenuation at specific wavelengths within the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the color correction element is incorporated within the one or more filter elements and the one or more filter elements are adapted to cause attenuation in the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges in accordance with the attenuation profile.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the attenuation profile includes attenuating the second set of wavelengths through one or more attenuation notches provided that cause attenuation of wavelengths of about 585 nm and about 630 nm.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more filter elements is adapted for the transmission of equal to or less than a percentage selected from 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, and 5% of light incident in the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more filter elements are adapted for attenuation such that the proportion of the power of incident light provided below and above a predefined wavelength is maintained following the application of the one or more filter elements through the attenuation profile.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the article of eyewear is any one of eyeglasses, bifocal eyeglasses, progressive eyeglasses, a monocle, a monocular, binoculars, a goggle, a visor, a contact lens, contact lenses, ocular implants, a virtual reality headset, an augmented reality headset, safety glasses, industrial eye protection classes, fit-over glasses worn over prescription eyewear, and optical equipment.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the one or more filter elements comprise planes of polycarbonate, Trivex, glass, plastic, coatings or suitably configured films.

18. The apparatus of claims 1-17, wherein the one or more filter elements are configured to controllably attenuate spectral components of light incident on the eyewear; and wherein the one or more filter elements are controlled based on at least received electronic information associated with the circadian outcome of the individual.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more filter elements have light- transmission properties that are electrically or optically adjustable.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more filter elements are electro- chromatic materials.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the electro-chromatic materials include at least one of suspended particular devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, micro-blinds, and nano-crystals.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the electro-chromatic materials include at least transition metals, including at least one of tungsten oxide (W0₃), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), and nickel oxide.

23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more filter elements have light- transmission properties that are adjustable through the variation of at least one of temperature and pressure.

24. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the color correction element includes one or more active light emission sources that provide corrective compensation by providing light in non-circadian active wavelength ranges, including at least light in violet wavelength ranges.

25. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-24, comprising a control system that is provided a current circadian state of an individual and the control system is configured to control the operation of the one or one or more filter elements to effect a circadian outcome, the circadian outcome based on at least electronic circadian state information; and wherein the control system includes at least a processor, non-transitory computer readable media and computer-readable memories.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the circadian outcome is extracted or estimated from the electronic circadian state information.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the one or more filter elements is controlled based at least on the extracted or estimated circadian outcome and such control, in response to changes in predicted circadian state of the individual, varies over a period of time in relation to at least one of (i) the level of attenuation in at least one of circadian-active wavelength ranges and (ii) the level of attenuation in the one or more non-circadian active wavelength ranges.

28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the circadian outcome is the maintenance of a current circadian state of the individual.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the maintenance of the current circadian state includes at least one of maintaining unchanged (i) a phase of a circadian rhythm of the individual, (ii) an amplitude of a circadian rhythm of the individual, and (iii) a periodicity of a circadian rhythm of the individual.

30. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the circadian outcome is the entrainment of the current circadian state of the individual to an entrained circadian state.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the entrainment of the current circadian state includes at least one of changing (i) a phase of a circadian rhythm of the individual, (ii) an amplitude of a circadian rhythm of the individual, and (iii) a periodicity of a circadian rhythm of the individual.

32. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the control system comprises a controllable element that controls the operation of the one or more filter elements, the controllable element including at least one of an electronic switch, a manual switch, a transistor switch, a wireless switch, a variable resistor, and a tap input switch receiving inputs from an accelerometer.

33. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the control system comprises one or more light sensors that configured to detect characteristics of light that are incident on the article of eyewear.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the one or more light sensors are configured to detect at least one of (i) intensities of light in green or blue wavelength ranges, and (ii) durations of exposure to light in the green or blue wavelength ranges.

35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the one or more light sensors include at least one of photodiodes, photo-detectors, chemical detectors, pixel sensors, charge-coupled devices (CCD), biosensors, proximity sensors, quantum dots, photo resistors, and phototransistors.

36. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the control system establishes a feedback loop using sensory information from the one or more light sensors to adjust one or more characteristics of operation of the one or more filters or the color correction element, including at least one of an amount of attenuation of the spectral components within one or more circadian-active wavelength ranges and an amount of compensation or attenuation in relation to one or more non- circadian active wavelength ranges.

37. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the control system includes one or more sensors adapted to monitor when an individual is wearing the article of eyewear.

38. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the control system receives biological information indicative of circadian state from a biological sensor and establishes a feedback loop using the biological information to control operating characteristics of the color correction element.

39. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the one or more light sensors are positioned or disposed on an upper half of the article of eyewear such that light incident to a lower half of retina of the individual is detected.

40. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the control system is configured to periodically communicate information to the processor regarding the spectral composition of current lighting conditions; and the processor is configured to determine a timing of the natural day in a geographical region of the article of eyewear.

41. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the control system is coupled to at least one of (i) the article of eyewear, (ii) a smart watch, and (iii) a mobile device.

42. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the timing is determined from at least one of (i) a clock coupled in the apparatus, (ii) an external clock, (iii) a wirelessly transmitted external signal, and (iv) a satellite signal.

43. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein upon determining the timing of the natural day in the geographical region of the article of eyewear, the processor is then configured to schedule cycling on and off of the one more filter elements.

44. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further includes non-transitory, computer readable memories to store circadian related electronic information, including at least one of (i) a circadian state of an individual, and (ii) a circadian timing within the circadian state.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the non-transitory, computer readable memories are coupled to at least one of (i) the article of eyewear, (ii) a smart watch, and (iii) a mobile device.

46. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the article of eyewear includes a communication unit adapted for establishing a communication link with a lighting control system, the communication unit periodically or continuously transmitting a signal indicating at least one of (i) whether the individual is wearing the article of eyewear, (ii) the current circadian state of the individual, and (iii) control parameters utilized in the control of the one or more filter elements.

47. A method for controlling the apparatus of claim 33, comprising: receiving from the one or more light sensors a signal when light having circadian-significant light intensity in circadian active wavelengths is detected; determining whether the individual's circadian timing system is in a nocturnal state or a diurnal state; and if the individual's circadian timing system is in a nocturnal state, controlling the one or more filter elements to attenuate light in the one or more circadian-active wavelengths if the one or more light sensors indicate that light having circadian- significant light intensity in the one or more circadian-active wavelengths is detected.