201233573 六、發明說明： 【發明所屬之技術領域】 本發明係關於一種光產生裝置，更明確地關於一種使用 於一車輛中的光產生裝置。本發明亦係關於一種在一車輛 中產生光的方法。 【先前技術】 眼睛疲勞對於一車輛的一乘員（尤其對於駕駛員）常常是 一個問題。凝視一段長時間之眼外的肌肉可引發眼睛疲 勞。此外’車輛之乘員的整個身體可能處在一疲乏狀態 中’使得控制眼球運動且形成視覺影像的大腦或視神經及 其他神經在效率方面變得遲緩，且因此導致警覺性降低。 已提出在該車輛的駕駛員前方形成接近該駕駛員的一虛 像，及遠離該駕駛員的一虛像，使得該駕駛員可從短距離 看到長距離’且眼外肌肉的此調整可鬆弛該等肌肉，藉此 減輕眼睛疲勞。 然而，上文的方法造成該駕駛員變得分心，且因此總是 帶來更多風險。此外’該方法並不應付源於疲乏的尊覺性 降低問題。 【發明内容】 期望消除或減輕至少一些上文的缺點，且提供在一車輛 中使用的一經改良裝置及方法。 為更好對付一個或多個此等顧慮，在本發明之一第一態 樣中，呈現一車輛中的一光產生裝置。所提出的光產生裝 置包括光源，其經組態以發射藍光，及—光導單元，立 160977.doc 201233573 經組態以相對於一水平面以一預設角度引導該藍光朝向該 車輛的一乘員的頭部所在的一區域。 對於一車輛的一乘員，在一些情況中享有增加的警覺性 將疋有利的。例如對於該車輛的駕駛員，該增加的警覺性 對女全駕駛有貢獻。改良的警覺性對駕駛一長距離或夜間 駕驶的人尤其有幫助’因為在此等情形中的疲乏或嗜眠可 導致警覺性降低，且因此導致危險的情形。 人體中的褪黑激素可影響警覺性，且一低的褪黑激素位 準有助於保持警覺。此外，眼睛中含有的黑素蛋白係一光 感測器，且因此調節或抑制褪黑激素的分泌。 發明者已意識到’可能藉由利用眼睛中含有的黑素蛋白 的性質而改良一車輛的一乘員的警覺性，且因此抑制該乘 員身體中褪黑激素的位準。特定言之，如上文所描述的該 光產生裂置相對於一水平面以一預設角度引導藍光朝向坐 在該車輛中的該乘員的頭部所在的一區域。該藍光可到達 該使用者的眼睛，且因此降低眼睛疲勞，且同時其可由該 乘員之眼睛中含有的黑素蛋白感測，藉此致使能夠抑制該 乘員之身體中的褪黑激素位準，此導致警覺性增加。 黑素蛋白在一中央視網膜區域中找到。同時，黑素蛋白 亦在一周邊視網膜區域的周邊視錐體中表現，此意指該周 邊視網膜區域亦可回應於光，以調節或抑制褪黑激素的分 泌。發明者已意識到，該周邊視網膜區域對光的此回應可 有利地使用’因為與落入中央視網膜區域的光對比，落入 該周邊視網膜區域的光對一人的視覺具有較小效果，且因 麵7d0C -4-s> 201233573 此不會妥協安全。 在一實施例中，該預設角度在從該水平面量測的40度至 5〇度的範圍内。在上文之範圍内的該預設角度的選擇允許 該藍光的至少一部分落入該使用者的眼球的該周邊視網膜 ' 區域中。該光可由該周邊視網膜區域的周邊視錐體中的黑 • 素蛋白感測’且因此可抑制該乘員身體中的褪黑激素位 準。因此，可改良該使用者的警覺性，同時並不妥協安全 或妥協安全至一較小程度。 在另一實施例中’該藍光的大部分進入該使用者的眼球 的該周邊視網膜區域’此提供一更安全的解決方案，以改 良警覺性。 在另一實施例中，該車輛中的該光產生裝置可進一步包 括一感測器’其經組態以感測相對於該感測器的位置之該 乘員之頭部的位置。藉由使用該感測器，可能更精確地引 導光，且因此確保該光將落入該使用者的眼睛中，例如尤 其該周邊視網臈區域。 在一進一步實施例中’該車輛中的該光產生裝置可進一 步包括一控制器’其經組態以控制該光產生裝置，以便基 ' 於由該感測器感測之位置而調整該藍光的角度。 在一進一步實施例中’該藍光的光強度在1 pW/cm2至20 μ W/cm2的範圍内。具有此範圍内的一強度的光並不容易 被該車輛的一乘員注意到。更佳地，該藍光的光強度在3 MW/cm2至10 nW/cm2的範圍内。在此範圍内的一光強度引 起明顯的褪黑激素抑制，且因此更有效改良警覺性。 160977.doc 201233573 在進步實施例中，該藍光的波長在420 nm至460 nm 的範圍内。此範圍内的-波長的藍光達成褪黑激素抑制的 -明顯更高效率’且因此所需的光強度相對較低。 在本發明之一第二態樣中，提出在一車輛中產生光的一 方法。該方法包括發射藍光的一步驟及相對於一水平面以 預认角度引導該藍光朝向該車輛的一乘員的頭部所在的 一區域的一步驟， 在另一實施例中，產生光的該方法進一步包括感測該使 用者之頭部的位置的步驟。且在一進一步實施例中，產生 光的該方法進一步包括基於該感測的位置調整該藍光之角 度的步驟。 在本發明之一第二態樣中，提出一電腦程式。該電腦程 式包括一電腦可讀取碼，其當在一處理器上運行時致使能 夠執行產生光的該方法的至少部分。該電腦程式可儲存於 一電腦可讀取媒體上。 本發明的此等態樣及其他態樣將從下文描述的實施例顯 而易見’且參考下文描述的實施例而闡明。 【實施方式】 所提出的光產生裝置及在一車輛中產生光的方法將經由 實例且參考附圖在下文中描述，而未限制如由申請專利範 圍定義的保護範圍。 雖然本發明覆蓋多種修改及替代構造’本發明的實施例 展示於圖式中’且將在下文中詳細描述。然而應理解，特 定描述及圖式並不意欲將本發明限制於所揭示的特定形 160977.doc201233573 VI. Description of the Invention: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a light generating device, and more particularly to a light generating device for use in a vehicle. The invention also relates to a method of producing light in a vehicle. [Prior Art] Eye fatigue is often a problem for an occupant of a vehicle, especially for a driver. Gazing at a long-term eye muscle can cause eye fatigue. Furthermore, the entire body of the occupant of the vehicle may be in a state of fatigue. The brain or optic nerve and other nerves that control the movement of the eye and form a visual image become sluggish in efficiency and thus cause a decrease in alertness. It has been proposed to form a virtual image in front of the driver of the vehicle and a virtual image away from the driver so that the driver can see the long distance from a short distance and the adjustment of the extraocular muscle can relax. Wait for muscles to relieve eye strain. However, the above method causes the driver to become distracted and therefore always brings more risks. In addition, the method does not cope with the problem of reduced self-esteem. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is desirable to eliminate or mitigate at least some of the above disadvantages and to provide an improved apparatus and method for use in a vehicle. In order to better cope with one or more of these concerns, in a first aspect of the invention, a light generating device in a vehicle is presented. The proposed light generating device includes a light source configured to emit blue light, and a light guide unit, 160977.doc 201233573 configured to direct the blue light toward an occupant of the vehicle at a predetermined angle relative to a horizontal plane An area where the head is located. For an occupant of a vehicle, it may be advantageous to have increased alertness in some situations. For example, for the driver of the vehicle, this increased alertness contributes to the full driving of the female. Improved alertness is especially helpful for people driving long distances or driving at night, because fatigue or sleepiness in such situations can result in reduced alertness and, therefore, dangerous situations. Melatonin in the body can affect alertness, and a low melatonin level helps to stay alert. In addition, the melanin contained in the eye is a light sensor and thus regulates or inhibits the secretion of melatonin. The inventors have recognized that it is possible to improve the alertness of an occupant of a vehicle by utilizing the properties of melanin contained in the eye, and thus suppress the level of melatonin in the body of the occupant. Specifically, the light-generating split as described above directs the blue light toward a region of the occupant's head sitting in the vehicle at a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal plane. The blue light can reach the user's eyes and thus reduce eye fatigue, and at the same time it can be sensed by melanin contained in the occupant's eyes, thereby enabling suppression of melatonin levels in the occupant's body, This leads to an increase in alertness. Melanin is found in a central retinal area. At the same time, melanin is also expressed in the peripheral frustum of a peripheral retinal region, which means that the peripheral retinal region can also respond to light to regulate or inhibit the secretion of melatonin. The inventors have appreciated that this response of the peripheral retinal region to light can advantageously be used 'because of the light falling into the peripheral retinal region, the light that falls into the peripheral retinal region has a smaller effect on one's vision, and Face 7d0C -4-s> 201233573 This will not compromise security. In an embodiment, the predetermined angle is in the range of 40 degrees to 5 degrees measured from the horizontal plane. The selection of the predetermined angle within the above range allows at least a portion of the blue light to fall into the peripheral retina ' region of the user's eyeball. This light can be sensed by the melanin in the peripheral frustum of the peripheral retinal region' and thus the melatonin level in the occupant's body can be suppressed. Therefore, the user's alertness can be improved without compromising safety or compromise to a lesser extent. In another embodiment, the majority of the blue light enters the peripheral retinal region of the user's eyeball' which provides a safer solution to improve alertness. In another embodiment, the light generating device in the vehicle can further include a sensor' configured to sense the position of the head of the occupant relative to the position of the sensor. By using the sensor, it is possible to direct the light more precisely and thus ensure that the light will fall into the user's eye, such as in particular the peripheral view. In a further embodiment, the light generating device in the vehicle may further comprise a controller configured to control the light generating device to adjust the blue light based on the position sensed by the sensor Angle. In a further embodiment the light intensity of the blue light is in the range of 1 pW/cm2 to 20 μW/cm2. Light having an intensity within this range is not easily noticed by an occupant of the vehicle. More preferably, the light intensity of the blue light is in the range of 3 MW/cm 2 to 10 nW/cm 2 . A light intensity within this range causes significant melatonin inhibition and is therefore more effective in improving alertness. 160977.doc 201233573 In a progressive embodiment, the blue light has a wavelength in the range of 420 nm to 460 nm. The blue light of -wavelength in this range achieves melatonin inhibition - significantly higher efficiency' and thus the required light intensity is relatively low. In a second aspect of the invention, a method of producing light in a vehicle is presented. The method includes a step of emitting blue light and a step of directing the blue light toward a region of an occupant's head of the vehicle at a predetermined angle relative to a horizontal plane, in another embodiment, the method of generating light further A step of sensing the position of the user's head. And in a further embodiment, the method of generating light further includes the step of adjusting the angle of the blue light based on the sensed position. In a second aspect of the invention, a computer program is presented. The computer program includes a computer readable code that, when run on a processor, causes at least a portion of the method of generating light to be performed. The computer program can be stored on a computer readable medium. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the description of the embodiments described herein < [Embodiment] The proposed light generating device and the method of generating light in a vehicle will be described below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the scope of protection as defined by the scope of the patent application. The invention is described in terms of various modifications and alternative constructions. The embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that the specific description and drawings are not intended to limit the invention
S 201233573 式。相反，所主張之本發明的範圍意欲包含落入如隨附申 請專利範圍中表達的本發明之範圍内其之所有修改及替代 構造。 圖1係根據本發明之一實施例的一車輛中的一光產生裝 • 置的一示意圖。 • 如圖1中所展示’該光產生裝置ίο包括一光源η及一光 導單元12 ^該光源U經組態以發射藍光。該光導單元丨之經 組態以透射該藍光且相對於一水平面丨3以一預設角度引導 該藍光朝向該車輛的一乘員的頭部所在的一區域。 如上文所描述’人體中的褪黑激素可影響警覺性，且一 低的褪黑激素位準有助於保持警覺。此外，眼睛中含有的 黑素蛋白係一光感測器，且因此調節或抑制褪黑激素的分 泌。發明者已意識到，可能藉由利用眼睛中含有的黑素蛋 白的性質而改良一車輛的一乘員的警覺性，且因此抑制該 乘員身體中褪黑激素的位準。 該光產生裝置10基於此認識而設計。當其在操作中時， 該光源11發射藍光，由該光導單元12相對於該水平面13以 一預設角度引導該藍光朝向該車輛的乘員頭部所在的一區 ' 域。該藍光可到達該使用者的眼睛，且因此降低眼睛疲 • 勞；同時’其可由該使用者的眼睛中含有的黑素蛋白感 測’且因此致使能夠抑制該使用者身體中的褪黑激素位 準，此導致警覺性增加。 在另一實施例中，該光導單元12進一步經組態以導引該 藍光朝向該車輛之乘員的眼睛，此減小光的發射範圍，且 160977.doc 201233573 因此被抑制減小該光源的功率。 黑素蛋白在中央視網膜區域中找到，且其亦在周邊視網 膜區域的周邊視錐體中表現，意指該周邊視網膜區域亦可 回應於光’以調節或抑制褪黑激素的分泌。如上文所提 及，發明者已意識到該周邊視網膜區域對光的此回應可有 利地使用’因為對比於落入該中央視網膜區域的光，落入 該周邊視網膜區域的光對一人的視覺具有較小效果β 圖2展示根據本發明之一實施例之落入一車輛之一乘員 的眼睛中的光，及對該乘員的視覺的對應效果β在圖2 中’參考數字14、15及16分別指示一車輛之一乘員的眼睛 的一周邊視網膜區域、一中央視網膜區域及一眼睛曈孔。 如圖2中所展示，在由該乘員之眼睛形成的一周邊視野17 中’落入該使用者之眼球的該周邊視網膜區域14中的光將 形成在該中央視野區域18之外側的一光點19。因此，由落 入該周邊視網膜區域14中的光形成的該光點19對一人的視 覺具有一更小效果’且因此並不容易被該乘員注意到。此 在一些應用中將為有利的。例如對於該車輛的一駕駛員， 在駕駛期間，以此方式形成的該光點不會妥協安全。 選擇性地，相對於該水平面13的該預設角度可在40度至 5〇度的範圍内》在此一範圍内之預設角度的選擇允許該藍 光的至少一部分落入該使用者之眼球的該周邊視網膜區域 中。該光可由該周邊視網膜區域之該等周邊視錐體中的黑 素蛋白感測，且因此致使能夠抑制該使用者之身體中的褪 黑激素。因此，可改良該使用者的警覺性，同時較少地妥 160977.doc 201233573 協安全或完全不妥協安全。 選擇性地，該藍光的光強度可在】MW/cm^2〇 pW/cm: 的範圍内。具有此範圍㈣—強度的光並不容易被該車輛 的乘員注意到。例如對於該車輛的一駕駛員此一低的光 強度幾乎無法偵測，且不會使該駕駛員的注意力離開道 路，藉此提供一更安全的解決方案，以改良警覺性。更佳 地，該藍光的光強度在3只冒/(；1112至1〇 pW/cm2的範圍内。 在此範圍内的光強度引起明顯的褪黑激素抑制，且因此 更有效改良警覺性β 作為實例’該藍光的波長可在420 nm至460 nm之範圍 内。在此範圍内的一波長達成一明顯更高的褪黑激素抑制 效率’且因此所需的光強度相對較低。 圖3展示根據本發明之一實施例的一車輛中的光產生裝 置的一實例。 在圖3中展示的實例中，該光產生裝置之光源係一 led lla，且該光導單元係一透鏡12a»選擇性地，該LED的一 發射區域的直徑可為！ mm，且該發射角度可為±6〇£^該透 鏡可為具有一第一表面及一第二表面的一凹凸透鏡。經由 實例，該第一表面係具有70 mm的一半徑的一球形表面， 且該第二表面係具有9.9 mm的一半徑及0.6的一圓錐係數 的一圓錐表面。選擇性地，該凹凸透鏡的厚度係12 mm， 且該凹凸透鏡的外直徑係24 mm。該透鏡所使用的材料可 例如為SF6—Schott，且在此實施例中該透鏡之該第一表面 與該光源之間的空間較佳地為6.74 mm 〇 160977.doc •9· 201233573 圖4展示根據本發明之一實施例的一車輛中的光產生裝 置的另一實例》 如圖4中所展示，在此實例中的光源係一 LED 1 lb，且該 光導單元係一反射鏡12b。選擇性地，從該LED至該反射 鏡之中央的距離可為5 mm。經由實例，該反射鏡的該反射 表面具有0.9 mm的一半徑及1_〇的一圓錐係數，且該反射 鏡的外直徑係40 mm。 應指明’圖3及圖4僅緣示根據本發明之一實施例的光產 生裝置的兩個實例。根據本發明之光產生裝置並不限制於 此等實例。例如’該光產生裝置的光源並非必需為一 LED。可使用可發射藍光的任何光源。 在另一實施例中’該車輛中的該光產生裝置可進一步包 括一感測器（未展示），其經組態以感測相對於該感測器之 位置之該使用者的頭部的位置。例如，該感測器可在該光 導單元引導該藍光之前感測該使用者的頭部的位置。因 此，可基於該感測的位置而預設相對於該水平面的角度 (該藍光以該角度引導）。藉由使用該感測器，可能更精確 地引導光，且因此確保該光將落入該使用者的眼睛中，例 如尤其該周邊視網膜區域。 在一進一步實施例中，該車輛中的光產生裝置可進一步 包括一控制器（未展示），其經組態以控制該光產生裝置， 以便基於由該感測器感測的位置而調整該藍光的角度。作 為一實例，該感測之位置的資訊可儲存於一記憶體中該 記憶體可與該感測器分離或整合而形成。當需要時，該控 160977.doc •10· 201233573 制器可從該記憶體讀取資訊，且接著基於該資訊而控制該 光源或該光導單元’以便調整該藍光的角度。具有此組態 的該光產生裝置允許調整該藍光的方向。該光產生裝置的 此纽·態在一些情況中係尤其有利的。在實踐中，該車麵的 乘員之頭部並不總是在一固定位置。例如，該車輛的駕駛 員在駕馼時可能抬高或降低他的頭部。在此情況中，該藍 光的角度可基於該感測的位置而調整，此致使能夠根據該 乘員的頭部的實際位置而重新引導該光。 一車輛的一乘員常常在水平方向上移動他的頭部。例 如’該車輔的駕駛員可在駕駛時轉動他的頭部。考慮到乘 員之頭部的水平運動’根據本發明之一實施例的光產生裝 置可進一步包括一光學單元’其經組態以增加該藍光的水 平光束發散。該光學單元確保藍光在該乘員頭部的正常水 平運動之下到達該乘員的眼睛。 圖5展示該光學單元的一實例。如圖5中所展示，該光學 單元例如係一微結構透鏡。該微結構透鏡可為一半圓柱微 結構透鏡，其包括複數個半圓柱微表面。該半圓柱微結構 透鏡適當地放置，使得其透射由該光導單元引導的藍光， 且增加該光的水平光束發散。該等半圓柱微表面垂直地對 準’使得該藍光可在一較寬範圍上以一橫向方向散佈。 已在上文中描述根據本發明之一實施例的該光產生裝 置。當使用於一車輛中時，該光產生裝置可安裝於不同位 置中。例如，該光產生裝置可安裝於該車輛的一面板區域 中。該光產生裝置亦可安裝於相對於乘員的上側上。例 £ 160977.doc 201233573 如，其可安裝於接近該車輛的後視鏡的一區域中。在此情 況中，將向下引導該藍光，但仍然相對於一水平面以一預 設角度行進。藉由適當地選擇該光產生裝置的安裝位置及 該預設角度，該藍光可進入該使用者的眼球的該周邊視網 膜區域中，此導致該乘員的警覺性增加，同時較少地妥協 安全或完全不妥協安全。 雖然一車輛中的一光產生裝置已在圖式及前述描述中詳 細繪示及描述，此等繪示及描述視作例證性或例示性的， 且並非限制性的。根據本發明之該光產生裝置並不限制於 所揭示之實施例。亦可取決於需求而組合上文描述的不同 實施例。 圖6示意性展示根據本發明之一實施例之一種在一車輛 中產生光的方法的一流程圖。 如圖6中所展示，根據該實施例，在一車輛中產生光的 該方法包括兩個步驟。在步驟21，發射藍光；且在步驟 22,相對於一水平面以一預設角度引導該藍光朝向該車輛 的一乘員的頭部所在的一區域。 選擇性地，引導該藍光的步驟22可包括匯聚該藍光朝向 該使用者的眼睛，此減小光的發射範圍，且因此被抑制減 小該光源的功率。 選擇性地，相對於該水平面的預設角度可在4〇度至5〇度 的範圍内。如上文所描述，在此一範圍内之預設角度的選 擇致使該藍光的至少一部分能夠落入該使用者的眼球的該 周邊視網膜區域中，且因此提供一安全的解決方案，以增 160977.doc •12· 201233573 加該使用者的警覺性。 選擇性地，該藍光的光強度可在i (^|/〇1112至2〇 pW/cm2 的la圍内，該強度並不容易被該車輛的乘員注意到，且因 此不會分心該使用者的注意力。更佳地，該藍光的光強度 在3 MW/cm2至1〇 pW/cm2的範圍内。在此範圍内的一光強 度引起明顯的槌黑激素抑制，且因此更有效改良警覺性。 圖7示意性展示根據本發明之另一實施例之一種在一車 輛中產生光的方法的一流程圖。 如圖7中所展示，除步驟21及22之外，根據此實施例的 產生光的該方法進一步包括感測該使用者之頭部位置的一 步驟23。可在引導該藍光之前感測該使用者之頭部位置。 因此，可基於該感測的位置而預設相對於該水平面的角度 (該藍光以該角度引導）。用此步驟，可能更精確地引導 光’且因此確保該光將落入該使用者的眼睛中，例如尤其 該周邊視網膜區域。 應指明’執行產生光之該方法之步驟的次序並不限制於 圖7中展示的次序《例如，感測該位置的步驟23可在發射 藍光的步驟21之前執行。 圖8示意性展示根據本發明之一進一步實施例之一種在 一車輛中產生光的方法的一流程圖。 如圖8中所展示，除步驟21、22及23之外，根據此實施 例的產生光的該方法進一步包括一步驟24。根據此實施例 的該方法可如下而執行。在步驟21，發射藍光；在步驟 22’相對於一水平面以—預設角度引導該藍光朝向該車輛 £ 160977.doc •13- 201233573 之:乘員的頭部所在的-區域；在步驟23,感測該使用者 之頭部的位置；且在步驟24,該藍光的角度基於該感測的 位置而調整。在此實施例中，該額外步驟24允許調整該藍 光的方向。如上文所描述，在-車輛中產生光的此一方法 在二匱況中尤其有利，因為該車輛之乘員的頭部並不總 疋在-固定位置。用步驟24,該藍光的角度可基於該感測 的位置而調整，此致使能夠根據該使用者之頭部的實際位 置而重新引導該光。 應理解，執行產生光之該方法之步驟的次序並不限制於 圖8中展示的次序。例如，感測該位置的步驟23可在步驟 21之前或在該步驟21之後但在步驟22之前執行。在一些應 用中’感測該位置的步驟或調整該藍光之角度的步驟可取 決於需求而週期性或非週期性地執行。 如上文所描述的該等方法的一些或所有步驟可替代地由 一處理器與例如一電腦程式組合而實施。該電腦程式包括 一電腦可讀取碼’其當運行於該處理器上時致使能夠執行 .本文中描述的任意該等方法的至少一些步驟。該電腦程式 可儲存於一電腦可讀取媒體上。 雖然本發明已在圖式及前述描述中詳細繪示及描述，此 等緣示及描述視作例證性或例示性的，且並非限制性的。 本發明並不限制於所揭示的實施例。亦可組合上文及申請 專利範圍中描述的不同實施例。熟習此項技術者在實踐所 主張之本發明時從圖式、揭示内容及隨附申請專利範圍的 研究中可理解及實現對所揭示之實施例的其他變動。 160977.doc •14- 201233573 在申請專利範圍中’詞語「包括」並不排除其他元件或 步驟，且不定冠詞「一（」或「一個）」並不排除複數個。 若干措施敘述在相互不同的附屬請求項中，僅就此事實， 並不指示此等措施之一組合不能經使用以更具有優越性。 申請專利範圍中的參考標記不應詮釋為限制此申請專利範 圍的範圍。 【圖式簡單說明】 圖1係根據本發明之一實施例的一車輛中的一光產生裝 置的一示意圖； 圖2展示根據本發明之一實施例之落入一車輛的一乘員 的眼睛中的光，及該乘員的對應視覺； 圖3展示根據本發明之一實施例之一車輛中的一光產生 裝置的一實例； 圖4展不根據本發明之一實施例之一車輛中的一光產生 裝置的另一實例； 圖5展示根據本發明之一實施例之一光學單元的一實 例； 圖ό示意性展示根據本發明之一實施例之一種在一車輛 中產生光的方法的一流程圖； 圖7示意性展示根據本發明之另一實施例之一種在一車 輛中產生光的方法的一流程圖；及 圖8示意性展示根據本發明之一進一步實施例之一種在 車輛中產生光的方法的一流程圖。 【主要元件符號說明】 160977.docS 201233573 style. Rather, the scope of the invention as claimed is intended to embrace all such modifications and alternative constructions that are within the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a light generating device in a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. • The light generating device ίο includes a light source η and a light guiding unit 12 that is configured to emit blue light. The light guide unit is configured to transmit the blue light and direct the blue light toward an area of an occupant's head of the vehicle at a predetermined angle relative to a horizontal plane 丨3. As described above, melatonin in the human body can affect alertness, and a low melatonin level helps to stay alert. In addition, the melanin contained in the eye is a photosensor and thus regulates or inhibits the secretion of melatonin. The inventors have recognized that it is possible to improve the alertness of an occupant of a vehicle by utilizing the properties of melanin contained in the eye, and thus suppress the level of melatonin in the body of the occupant. The light generating device 10 is designed based on this knowledge. The light source 11 emits blue light when it is in operation, and the light guide unit 12 directs the blue light toward a region ' of the occupant's head of the vehicle at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane 13. The blue light can reach the user's eyes and thus reduce eye fatigue; at the same time 'it can be sensed by the melanin contained in the user's eye' and thus renders it possible to inhibit melatonin in the user's body Level, this leads to increased alertness. In another embodiment, the light guide unit 12 is further configured to direct the blue light toward the eye of the occupant of the vehicle, which reduces the range of light emission, and 160977.doc 201233573 is thus inhibited from reducing the power of the light source . Melanin is found in the central retinal region and is also expressed in the peripheral frustum of the peripheral retinal region, meaning that the peripheral retinal region can also respond to light' to modulate or inhibit melatonin secretion. As mentioned above, the inventors have recognized that this response of the peripheral retinal region to light can advantageously be used 'because of the light falling into the peripheral retinal region versus the vision of a person, as compared to light falling into the central retinal region Lesser effect β Figure 2 shows light falling into the eye of one of the occupants of a vehicle and the corresponding effect of the occupant's vision in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, in Figure 2, 'reference numerals 14, 15 and 16 A peripheral retinal region, a central retinal region, and an eye pupil of the eye of one of the occupants of one of the vehicles are respectively indicated. As shown in FIG. 2, light falling into the peripheral retinal region 14 of the user's eyeball in a peripheral field of view 17 formed by the occupant's eye will form a light on the outside of the central field of view region 18. Point 19. Therefore, the spot 19 formed by the light falling into the peripheral retinal region 14 has a smaller effect on the perception of a person' and thus is not easily noticed by the occupant. This would be advantageous in some applications. For example, for a driver of the vehicle, the spot formed in this way during driving will not compromise security. Optionally, the predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane 13 may be in the range of 40 degrees to 5 degrees. The selection of the preset angle within the range allows at least a portion of the blue light to fall into the eye of the user. In the peripheral retina area. This light can be sensed by the melanin in the peripheral frustum of the peripheral retinal region and thus enables the inhibition of melatonin in the body of the user. Therefore, the user's alertness can be improved, and at the same time, it is less secure or completely uncompromising. Alternatively, the light intensity of the blue light may be in the range of MW/cm^2 〇 pW/cm:. Light having this range (4) - intensity is not easily noticed by the occupants of the vehicle. For example, a low light intensity of a driver of the vehicle is barely detectable and does not cause the driver's attention to leave the road, thereby providing a safer solution to improve alertness. More preferably, the light intensity of the blue light is in the range of 3/(; 1112 to 1 〇pW/cm2. The light intensity in this range causes significant melatonin inhibition, and thus the alertness is more effectively improved. As an example, the wavelength of the blue light can range from 420 nm to 460 nm. A wavelength within this range achieves a significantly higher melatonin suppression efficiency' and thus the required light intensity is relatively low. An example of a light generating device in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the light source of the light generating device is a led lla, and the light guiding unit is a lens 12a»select Optionally, an emission area of the LED may have a diameter of !mm, and the emission angle may be ±6〇. The lens may be a meniscus lens having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface has a spherical surface having a radius of 70 mm, and the second surface has a conical surface having a radius of 9.9 mm and a conic coefficient of 0.6. Optionally, the thickness of the meniscus lens is 12 mm And the outer diameter of the meniscus lens 24 mm. The material used for the lens can be, for example, SF6-Schott, and in this embodiment the space between the first surface of the lens and the light source is preferably 6.74 mm 〇160977.doc •9· 201233573 4 shows another example of a light generating device in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the light source in this example is an LED 1 lb, and the light guiding unit is a mirror. 12b. Optionally, the distance from the LED to the center of the mirror can be 5 mm. By way of example, the reflective surface of the mirror has a radius of 0.9 mm and a conic coefficient of 1_〇, and the reflection The outer diameter of the mirror is 40 mm. It should be noted that 'Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 only show two examples of the light generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The light generating device according to the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, the light source of the light generating device is not necessarily an LED. Any light source that emits blue light can be used. In another embodiment, the light generating device in the vehicle can further include a sensor (not shown), It is configured to sense relative The position of the user's head at the location of the sensor. For example, the sensor can sense the position of the user's head before the light guide unit directs the blue light. Therefore, based on the sensing The position is preset relative to the horizontal plane (the blue light is directed at this angle). By using the sensor, it is possible to guide the light more precisely, and thus ensure that the light will fall into the user's eyes, For example, in particular the peripheral retinal region. In a further embodiment, the light generating device in the vehicle may further comprise a controller (not shown) configured to control the light generating device for sensing by the sensor The angle of the blue light is adjusted by the sensed position. As an example, the information of the sensed position can be stored in a memory in which the memory can be separated or integrated with the sensor. When needed, the controller can read information from the memory and then control the light source or the light guide unit' based on the information to adjust the angle of the blue light. The light generating device having this configuration allows the direction of the blue light to be adjusted. This state of the light generating device is particularly advantageous in some cases. In practice, the head of the occupant of the vehicle is not always in a fixed position. For example, the driver of the vehicle may raise or lower his head while driving. In this case, the angle of the blue light can be adjusted based on the sensed position, which enables the light to be redirected based on the actual position of the occupant's head. An occupant of a vehicle often moves his head in a horizontal direction. For example, the driver of the car can turn his head while driving. Considering the horizontal movement of the head of the occupant', the light generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further comprise an optical unit' configured to increase the horizontal beam divergence of the blue light. The optical unit ensures that the blue light reaches the occupant's eyes under normal horizontal movement of the occupant's head. Figure 5 shows an example of the optical unit. As shown in Figure 5, the optical unit is, for example, a microstructured lens. The microstructured lens can be a semi-cylindrical microstructured lens comprising a plurality of semi-cylindrical micro-surfaces. The semi-cylindrical microstructure lens is suitably placed such that it transmits the blue light directed by the light guiding unit and increases the horizontal beam divergence of the light. The semi-cylindrical micro-surfaces are vertically aligned such that the blue light can be spread over a wide range in a lateral direction. The light generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described above. When used in a vehicle, the light generating device can be mounted in different locations. For example, the light generating device can be mounted in a panel area of the vehicle. The light generating device can also be mounted on the upper side with respect to the occupant. Example £160977.doc 201233573 For example, it can be installed in an area close to the rear view mirror of the vehicle. In this case, the blue light will be directed downwards, but still travel at a predetermined angle relative to a horizontal plane. By appropriately selecting the mounting position of the light generating device and the predetermined angle, the blue light can enter the peripheral retinal region of the user's eyeball, which causes the occupant's alertness to increase while less compromising safety or Completely uncompromising security. Although a light-generating device in a vehicle has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, the drawings and description are to be considered as illustrative or illustrative and not restrictive. The light generating device according to the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment. The different embodiments described above may also be combined depending on the needs. Figure 6 is a schematic flow diagram showing a method of producing light in a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 6, according to this embodiment, the method of generating light in a vehicle includes two steps. In step 21, blue light is emitted; and in step 22, the blue light is directed toward an area of the head of an occupant of the vehicle at a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal plane. Optionally, the step 22 of directing the blue light can include concentrating the blue light toward the user's eye, which reduces the range of light emission and is therefore inhibited from reducing the power of the light source. Alternatively, the predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane may be in the range of 4 to 5 degrees. As described above, the selection of a predetermined angle within this range causes at least a portion of the blue light to fall into the peripheral retinal region of the user's eyeball, and thus provides a safe solution to increase 160,977. Doc •12· 201233573 Add the user's alertness. Alternatively, the light intensity of the blue light may be in the range of i (^|/〇1112 to 2〇pW/cm2, which is not easily noticed by the occupant of the vehicle, and therefore will not be distracted. More preferably, the light intensity of the blue light is in the range of 3 MW/cm 2 to 1 〇pW/cm 2 , and a light intensity in this range causes significant meyeresone inhibition, and thus is more effective. Vigilance. Figure 7 is a flow chart showing a method of generating light in a vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, in addition to steps 21 and 22, in accordance with this embodiment The method of generating light further includes a step 23 of sensing the position of the head of the user. The position of the head of the user can be sensed prior to directing the blue light. Thus, the position can be preset based on the sensed position The angle relative to the horizontal plane (the blue light is directed at this angle). With this step, it is possible to guide the light more precisely 'and thus ensure that the light will fall into the user's eye, such as in particular the peripheral retinal area. 'Steps to perform this method of generating light The order of the steps is not limited to the order shown in Figure 7. For example, step 23 of sensing the position may be performed prior to step 21 of emitting blue light. Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. A flow chart of a method of generating light. As shown in Figure 8, in addition to steps 21, 22 and 23, the method of generating light according to this embodiment further includes a step 24. The method according to this embodiment This may be performed as follows: In step 21, blue light is emitted; at step 22', the blue light is directed at a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal plane toward the vehicle: 160977.doc • 13-201233573: the area in which the occupant's head is located; At step 23, the position of the user's head is sensed; and at step 24, the angle of the blue light is adjusted based on the sensed position. In this embodiment, the additional step 24 allows the direction of the blue light to be adjusted. As described above, this method of generating light in a vehicle is particularly advantageous in the second case because the head of the occupant of the vehicle does not always lie in a fixed position. With step 24, the angle of the blue light can be based on The sensed position is adjusted, which enables the light to be redirected based on the actual position of the user's head. It should be understood that the order in which the steps of the method of generating light are performed is not limited to the order shown in FIG. For example, step 23 of sensing the location may be performed before step 21 or after step 21 but before step 22. In some applications, the step of sensing the location or adjusting the angle of the blue light may depend on the demand. And periodically or non-periodically. Some or all of the steps of the methods as described above may alternatively be implemented by a processor in combination with, for example, a computer program. The computer program includes a computer readable code' It, when run on the processor, enables execution of at least some of the steps of any of the methods described herein. The computer program can be stored on a computer readable medium. The present invention has been shown and described with reference to the embodiments The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Different embodiments described above and in the scope of the patent application may also be combined. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the <RTIgt; 160977.doc •14-201233573 In the scope of the patent application, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude the plural. A number of measures are described in mutually different sub-claims, and this fact alone does not indicate that a combination of such measures cannot be used to be more advantageous. Reference signs in the scope of the patent application should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a light generating device in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 shows an eye of an occupant falling into a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Light and the corresponding vision of the occupant; FIG. 3 shows an example of a light generating device in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 shows an example of a vehicle not according to an embodiment of the present invention Another example of a light generating device; FIG. 5 shows an example of an optical unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a method of generating light in a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flow chart schematically showing a method of generating light in a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 8 is a view schematically showing a vehicle in a vehicle according to a further embodiment of the present invention. A flow chart of a method of producing light. [Main component symbol description] 160977.doc
S •15- 201233573 10 光產生裝置 11 光源 11a 發光二極體 lib 發光二極體 12 光導單元 12a 透鏡 12b 反射鏡 13 水平面 14 周邊視網膜區域 15 中央視網膜區域 16 眼睛瞳孔 17 周邊視野 18 中央視野區域 19 光點 160977.doc -16 -S •15- 201233573 10 Light generating device 11 Light source 11a Light-emitting diode lib Light-emitting diode 12 Light guide unit 12a Lens 12b Mirror 13 Water level 14 Peripheral retinal area 15 Central retinal area 16 Eye pupil 17 Peripheral field of view 18 Central field of view area 19 Light point 160977.doc -16 -