Patents by Inventor Ian Edward Ashdown

Ian Edward Ashdown has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11931470
    Abstract: Visible light disinfection is a healthcare technology wherein violet light is used to inactivate pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The present invention overcomes the limitations of continuous irradiance in whole-room environments by pulse width modulation of the light sources and increasing the instantaneous irradiance while maintaining average irradiance and hence light power requirements. The invention further discloses the use of multispectral light sources wherein the pulse modulation frequencies are synchronized and the phase of the spectral components are offset in order to maximize synergistic or antagonistic responses to intracellular chromophore excitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Ian Edward Ashdown
  • Publication number: 20240050603
    Abstract: Visible light disinfection is a healthcare technology wherein violet light is used to inactivate pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The present invention overcomes the limitations of continuous irradiance in whole-room environments by pulse width modulation of the light sources and increasing the instantaneous irradiance while maintaining average irradiance and hence light power requirements. The invention further discloses the use of multispectral light sources wherein the pulse modulation frequencies are synchronized and the phase of the spectral components are offset in order to maximize synergistic or antagonistic responses to intracellular chromophore excitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventor: Ian Edward Ashdown
  • Publication number: 20230342518
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the real-time simulation of sound in three-dimensional virtual environments. In particular, a geometric method based on the principles of acoustic radiosity determines the room impulse responses of a virtual environment with arbitrary polygonal surfaces. The complexity of the method is of the order of the square of the number of patches that define the virtual environment. The room impulse responses are convolved with an audio signal and output through a speaker to simulate reverberation within the virtual environment, which corresponds to a physical environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventor: Ian Edward Ashdown
  • Patent number: 11606914
    Abstract: Laser light is coupled to optical fibers arranged in a sheet, which may be in the form of netting, mesh or fabric. Scattering centers or bends in the optical fibers allow the coupled light to escape from the sides of the fibers. Depending on the selection of wavelengths for the lasers, the resulting luminous sheet may be used for illumination of crops grown in vertical farms. The laser wavelengths excite plant photopigments for predetermined physiological responses, and the light source intensities may be temporally modulated to maximize photosynthesis and control photomorphogenesis responses. Each laser may be independently controlled, and at least one laser may emit ultraviolet-C radiation. The luminous sheet may be used for purification of air flowing through an air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
  • Patent number: 11590252
    Abstract: Given the complexity of architectural spaces and the need to calculate spherical irradiances, it is difficult to determine how much ultraviolet radiation is necessary to adequately kill airborne pathogens. An interior environment with luminaires is modeled. Spherical irradiance meters are positioned in the model and the direct and indirect spherical irradiance is calculated for each sensor. From this, an irradiance field is interpolated for a volume of interest, and using known fluence response values for killing pathogens, a reduction in the pathogens is predicted. Based on the predicted reduction, spaces are built accordingly, and ultraviolet luminaires are installed and controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Ian Edward Ashdown
  • Patent number: 11470703
    Abstract: A biological lighting system to provide temporally- and spatially-modulated photon flux output and spectral power distributions to plants on a circadian and circannual basis, or circadian and life cycle basis, to maximize effective and efficient growth in a horticultural setting. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution are modulated to match circadian and circannual rhythms, with individual or multiple luminaires controlled through one or more controllers. Different lighting spectra can be employed depending on the direction of illumination. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution may be set as best suited for any particular plant species, and the system is also useful for raising animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
  • Publication number: 20220287247
    Abstract: Laser light is coupled to optical fibers arranged in a sheet, which may be in the form of netting, mesh or fabric. Scattering centers or bends in the optical fibers allow the coupled light to escape from the sides of the fibers. Depending on the selection of wavelengths for the lasers, the resulting luminous sheet may be used for illumination of crops grown in vertical farms. The laser wavelengths excite plant photopigments for predetermined physiological responses, and the light source intensities may be temporally modulated to maximize photosynthesis and control photomorphogenesis responses. Each laser may be independently controlled, and at least one laser may emit ultraviolet-C radiation. The luminous sheet may be used for purification of air flowing through an air duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
  • Publication number: 20220288261
    Abstract: Given the complexity of architectural spaces and the need to calculate spherical irradiances, it is difficult to determine how much ultraviolet radiation is necessary to adequately kill airborne pathogens. An interior environment with luminaires is modeled. Spherical irradiance meters are positioned in the model and the direct and indirect spherical irradiance is calculated for each sensor. From this, an irradiance field is interpolated for a volume of interest, and using known fluence response values for killing pathogens, a reduction in the pathogens is predicted. Based on the predicted reduction, spaces are built accordingly, and ultraviolet luminaires are installed and controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventor: Ian Edward Ashdown
  • Patent number: 11382280
    Abstract: Laser light emanates from optical components that are mounted on a substrate, each optical component being coupled to an optical fiber that delivers laser radiation combined from multiple lasers. A linear or elliptical holographic diffuser is located to diffuse the light emanating from the optical components. The laser wavelengths excite plant photopigments for predetermined physiological responses, and the light source intensities may be temporally modulated to maximize photosynthesis and control photomorphogenesis responses. Each laser is independently controlled. At least one laser emits ultraviolet-C radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
  • Publication number: 20220192102
    Abstract: Laser light emanates from optical components that are mounted on a substrate, each optical component being coupled to an optical fiber that delivers laser radiation combined from multiple lasers. A linear or elliptical holographic diffuser is located to diffuse the light emanating from the optical components. The laser wavelengths excite plant photopigments for predetermined physiological responses, and the light source intensities may be temporally modulated to maximize photosynthesis and control photomorphogenesis responses. Each laser is independently controlled. At least one laser emits ultraviolet-C radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
  • Publication number: 20220191993
    Abstract: A biological lighting system to provide temporally- and spatially-modulated photon flux output and spectral power distributions to plants on a circadian and circannual basis, or circadian and life cycle basis, to maximize effective and efficient growth in a horticultural setting. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution are modulated to match circadian and circannual rhythms, with individual or multiple luminaires controlled through one or more controllers. Different lighting spectra can be employed depending on the direction of illumination. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution may be set as best suited for any particular plant species, and the system is also useful for raising animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
  • Patent number: 11310964
    Abstract: Laser light emanates from optical components that are mounted on a substrate, each optical component being coupled to an optical fiber that delivers laser radiation combined from multiple lasers. A linear or elliptical holographic diffuser is located to diffuse the light emanating from the optical components. The laser wavelengths excite plant photopigments for predetermined physiological responses, and the light source intensities may be temporally modulated to maximize photosynthesis and control photomorphogenesis responses. Each laser is independently controlled. At least one laser emits ultraviolet-C radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
  • Patent number: 11317489
    Abstract: Electric light sources typically exhibit temporal variations in luminous flux output, commonly referred to as “flicker.” Flicker, or temporal modulation, is known to influence the growth, health and behavior patterns of humans, and is also linked to growth, health and behavior patterns throughout the growth cycle of plants and animals. Control of peak radiant flux emitted by a light source to temporally modulate a light source will allow for the control of plants and animals for sustainable farming including but not limited to horticultural, agricultural, or aquacultural endeavors. The light source allows the transmission of daylight, which is combined with the flicker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
  • Patent number: 11297707
    Abstract: A biological lighting system to provide temporally- and spatially-modulated photon flux output and spectral power distributions to plants on a circadian and circannual basis, or circadian and life cycle basis, to maximize effective and efficient growth in a horticultural setting. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution are modulated to match circadian and circannual rhythms, with individual or multiple luminaires controlled through one or more controllers. Different lighting spectra can be employed depending on the direction of illumination. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution may be set as best suited for any particular plant species, and the system is also useful for raising animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
  • Patent number: 11287321
    Abstract: Melanopic dose rate and dose are calculated in a virtual environment. A computer generated model of an actual or planned building is used as the virtual environment. Indirect and direct spherical irradiances are calculated using convex polyhedra throughout the virtual environment, and each is multiplied by a melanopic conversion factor. The two are added, then adjusted for a human's angular responsivity and age. Building design features or lighting devices may be adjusted to provide a required melanopic dose rate. A camera is used to capture a panoramic image, which is calibrated to tristimulus values, and used with the spectral power distribution of the light sources to derive the melanopic dose rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: Ian Edward Ashdown
  • Publication number: 20220042848
    Abstract: Melanopic dose rate and dose are calculated in a virtual environment. A computer generated model of an actual or planned building is used as the virtual environment. Indirect and direct spherical irradiances are calculated using convex polyhedra throughout the virtual environment, and each is multiplied by a melanopic conversion factor. The two are added, then adjusted for a human's angular responsivity and age. Building design features or lighting devices may be adjusted to provide a required melanopic dose rate. A camera is used to capture a panoramic image, which is calibrated to tristimulus values, and used with the spectral power distribution of the light sources to derive the melanopic dose rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventor: Ian Edward Ashdown
  • Publication number: 20220007479
    Abstract: Electric light sources typically exhibit temporal variations in luminous flux output, commonly referred to as “flicker.” Flicker, or temporal modulation, is known to influence the growth, health and behavior patterns of humans, and is also linked to growth, health and behavior patterns throughout the growth cycle of plants and animals. Control of peak radiant flux emitted by a light source to temporally modulate a light source will allow for the control of plants and animals for sustainable farming including but not limited to horticultural, agricultural, or aquacultural endeavors. The light source allows the transmission of daylight, which is combined with the flicker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
  • Publication number: 20210385925
    Abstract: A biological lighting system to provide temporally- and spatially-modulated photon flux output and spectral power distributions to plants on a circadian and circannual basis, or circadian and life cycle basis, to maximize effective and efficient growth in a horticultural setting. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution are modulated to match circadian and circannual rhythms, with individual or multiple luminaires controlled through one or more controllers. Different lighting spectra can be employed depending on the direction of illumination. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution may be set as best suited for any particular plant species, and the system is also useful for raising animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
  • Patent number: 11129253
    Abstract: Electric light sources typically exhibit temporal variations in luminous flux output, commonly referred to as “flicker.” Flicker, or temporal modulation, is known to influence the growth, health and behavior patterns of humans, and is also linked to growth, health and behavior patterns throughout the growth cycle of plants and animals. Control of peak radiant flux emitted by a light source to temporally modulate a light source will allow for the control of plants and animals for sustainable farming including but not limited to horticultural, agricultural, or aquacultural endeavors. The light source allows the transmission of daylight, which is combined with the flicker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
  • Patent number: 11122747
    Abstract: Laser light emanates from optical components that are mounted on a substrate, each optical component being coupled to an optical fiber that delivers laser radiation combined from multiple lasers. A linear or elliptical holographic diffuser is located to diffuse the light emanating from the optical components. The laser wavelengths excite plant photopigments for predetermined physiological responses, and the light source intensities may be temporally modulated to maximize photosynthesis and control photomorphogenesis responses. Each laser is independently controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventors: Ian Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott