Optronics is currently working with major OEMs to design ergonomic lighting for cabs and sleeper cabs that will promote operator health and comfort. The company is working towards “adaptive lighting controls” that are designed to boost productivity during work, restfulness during hours of service (HOS) rest periods and the overall environmental health of the sleeper cab.
These lighting scenarios would allow the occupant to self-select a lighting combination that they find comfortable, and enable them to select pre-programmed lighting environments based on their activities. A hygiene setting would cleanse the cab of contaminants such as bacteria, mold and fine particulate matter using only light.
“LED lighting is moving far beyond simply delivering optimal illumination for vision,” says Brett Johnson, president and CEO of vehicle lighting manufacturer Optronics International. “Scientific studies demonstrate that lighting has a profound impact on mood, physiology and sanitation.”
Optronics envisions a system where users are able to choose the lighting that most closely approximates the phase of daily activity they are in at that moment. For instance, an “awakening phase” would be red-shifted like a sunrise and might increase in intensity over time. An “alert phase” would be blue-shifted like mid-day sun. A “resting phase” would lessen in intensity over time, like a sunset. During the “sleeping phase,” all ambient light would be minimized, but could be motion activated with automatically dimming convenience lighting that would allow users to use the restroom and go back to sleep without turning on bright lights.
Technologies such as these are working to create a healthier, more efficient working environment through lighting.
