Diode-based light sensors and methods

• US 20050047133A1
• Filed: 09/16/2004
• Published: 03/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Watt Stopper Incorporated (Legrand SA)
• Original Assignee: The Watt Stopper Incorporated (Legrand SA)
• Inventors: Forke, Ulrich, Viala, Roar, Pitigoi-Aron, Radu
• Granted Patent: US 7,164,110 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/231
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 39/042 by measuring the incident light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 41/3922 and measurement of the incident light

Abstract

The present invention provides an illumination management system that includes a first LED that outputs a first signal when exposed to a first spectrum of light, the first signal indicating an intensity of light from the first spectrum; a second LED that outputs a second signal when exposed to a second spectrum of light, the second signal indicating an intensity of light from the second spectrum and wherein the second spectrum includes at least some wavelengths that are not in said first spectrum. In some embodiments, more LEDs could be included in the system for associating the presence of light energy from different parts of the light spectrum. Also included is light control circuitry, coupled to the LEDs, configured to generate a lighting control signal that can be output to one or more lights to adjust the lights to a desired light level, wherein the lighting control signal varies in response to said first and second signals.

Claims

1-20. -20. (Canceled).

21. A device comprising:

a) a detection means comprising;

i) a first diode configured to measure light within a first spectrum; and

ii) a second diode configured to measure light within a second spectrum; and

b) means for controlling an output of a controlled light source based on the light measured within the first spectrum and the second spectrum.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the means for controlling the output of the controlled light based on the light measured within the first spectrum and the second spectrum comprises an adjustable gain amplifier.

23. The device of claim 21, wherein the means for controlling the output of the controlled light source based on the light measured within the first spectrum and the second spectrum comprises an identification circuit for identifying types of light in at least one of the first spectrum and the second spectrum and for assigning values to the types of light.

24. The device of claim 21, wherein the means for controlling the output of the controlled light source based on the light measured within the first spectrum and the second spectrum comprises a correction circuit for evaluating a difference between the composition of light and a target level of light.

25. The device of claim 21, wherein the means for controlling the output of the controlled light source based on the light measured within the first spectrum and the second spectrum comprises a driver circuit for controlling an applied voltage to the controlled light source.

26. The device of claim 21, wherein the means for controlling the output of the controlled light source based on the light measured within the first spectrum and the second spectrum comprises a program for instructing the device to maintain a target level of light.

27. The device of claim 21, wherein the means for controlling the output of the controlled light based on the light measured within the first spectrum and the second spectrum comprises a data entry interface for selecting a target level of light.

28. The device of claim 21, wherein the means for controlling the output of the controlled light based on the light measured within the first spectrum and the second spectrum comprises a processor.

29. The device of claim 21, wherein at least one of the first diode and the second diode is configured to measure sunlight.

30. An illumination management system for controlling light levels comprising:

a) diodes, wherein at least one of the diodes is configured to receive fluorescent light and at least one of the diodes is configured to receive sunlight and generate output signals indicating a level of fluorescent light and a level of sun light; and

b) a lighting control circuit configured to receive the output signals and generate control signals to adjust lights to maintain a combination of the fluorescent light and the sun light within a selected range.

31. The system of claim 30, further comprising a data entry interface for inputting the selected range.

32. The system of claim 30, further comprising means for storing measured light levels, comparing a difference between the level of fluorescent light and the level of sunlight and generating the control signals based on the difference.

33. The system of claim 30, further comprising an adjustable gain amplifier for adjusting the range.

34. A method of controlling light in a control area, the method comprising:

a) measuring light outputs from a plurality of light sources with a light controller using a plurality of diode sensors; and

b) adjusting at least one of the plurality of light sources such that a combination of measured light from the light outputs is maintained within a range.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the light controller comprises a processor for processing signals generated by the diode sensors and automatically adjusting the at least one of the light sources.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the range is automatically selected using a program.

37. The method of claim 34, wherein the range is selected through a user interface.

38. A method of making a light controller comprising electrically coupling two or more diodes to an amplifier for generating light output data from two or more spectra of light and electrically coupling the amplifier to a processor that is configured to control lights based on the light output data.