Lighting module with integrated sensing

• US 10,068,447 B1
• Filed: 03/31/2012
• Issued: 09/04/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fusion Optix Inc.
• Original Assignee: Fusion Optix Inc.
• Inventors: Kelly, Timothy, Yeo, Terence
• Primary Examiner(s): Porta, David
• Assistant Examiner(s): Vu, Mindy
• Application Number:
  US13/436,895
• Time in Patent Office: 2,348 Days
• Field of Search: 250342
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/232 specially adapted for generating an essentially omnidirectional light distribution, e.g. with a glass bulb
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/61 using light guides
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0464 the sensor sensing the level of ambient illumination, e.g. dawn or dusk sensors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0471 the sensor detecting the proximity, the presence or the movement of an object or a person
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/189 using passive radiation detection systems
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19 using infrared-radiation detection systems G08B13/194 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/191 using pyroelectric sensor means
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/193 using focusing means
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/12 using optical feedback
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/11 by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

Light emitting modules are provided in which light emission and sensing functions are integrated into a single module. Example embodiments utilize a non-planar light guide to create a cavity within which sensing components are configured. Some embodiments provide for collection of directional information regarding light incident to the lighting module.

Claims

1. A light emitting module comprising:

a) an outcoupling light guide comprising an optically clear light guide region and an outcoupling region;

b) a first light source which inputs light into the outcoupling light guide;

c) a low light transmission region with light transmittance of less than 10%;

d) a measurement cavity contained by the low light transmission region and isolated from the optical path of light from the first light source;

e) a sensor of electromagnetic radiation located within the measurement cavity and having an acceptance cone positioned to receive light transmitted through an aperture of the low transmission region;

wherein the light emitting module both emits light from the light source and senses electromagnetic radiation generated external of the module.

2. The light emitting module of claim 1 wherein the outcoupling light guide is non-planar.

3. The light emitting module of claim 2 wherein the non-planar outcoupling light guide contains the measurement cavity.

4. The light emitting module of claim 1 wherein the measurement cavity further comprises a reflective surface.

5. The light emitting module of claim 4 wherein the reflective surface is greater than 80% reflective.

6. The light emitting module of claim 1 in which the measurement cavity is within a reflective dome which serves as the low light transmission region.

7. The light emitting module of claim 1 wherein the low light transmission region has a diffuse reflectance greater than 70% on a surface facing the outcoupling light guide.

8. The light emitting module of claim 1 where multiple sensors are used to produce directional information about external light incident on the module.

9. The light emitting module of claim 1 wherein multiple acceptance cones are used to produce directional information about external light incident on the module.

10. The light emitting module of claim 1 wherein the measurement cavity comprises an inner surface with less than 20% reflectance.

11. The light emitting module of claim 1 wherein the acceptance cone of the sensor is narrowed by the use of a lens.

12. The light emitting module of claim 1 wherein the acceptance cone of the sensor is narrowed by the use of a sensor light guide.

13. The light emitting module of claim 1 wherein the acceptance cone of the sensor is narrowed by the use of a louver.

14. The light emitting module of claim 1 wherein the sensor is receptive to visible light.

15. The light emitting module of claim 1 wherein the sensor is receptive to infrared radiation.

16. The light emitting module of claim 1 wherein the light emitting module simultaneously emits light from the light source and senses electromagnetic radiation generated external of the module.

17. The light emitting module of claim 1 wherein the light source and the sensor are not simultaneously in an on state.

18. The light emitting module of claim 17 wherein the light source and sensor cycle on and off at a frequency of 60 hz or greater.