SOLAR SENSOR INCLUDING REFLECTIVE ELEMENT TO TRANSFORM THE ANGULAR RESPONSE
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Abstract
A solar sensor that utilizes a blocking element and curved reflective element between the sun and a photo-sensitive electronic device to provide high signal levels and the ability to shape the angular response of the overall sensor. A particular angular response can be achieved by combining the attenuating affects of the blocking element with the increased response affects of the curved reflector. These two elements may be combined into one physical structure, or may be separate. Further, the present invention contemplates the use of multiple blocking elements and multiple reflectors.
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Citations
40 Claims
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1-20. -20. (canceled)
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21. An apparatus comprising:
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a photo-sensitive electronic device having an active surface for collection of incident solar radiation;
a shadow element located between the active surface and the incident solar radiation and projecting a shadow onto the active surface; and
a curved first reflective surface located between the active surface and the shadow element. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A method comprising the steps of:
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providing an apparatus comprising;
a photo-sensitive electronic device having an active surface for collection of incident solar radiation;
a shadow element located above the active surface and projecting a shadow onto the active surface; and
a curved reflective surface located between the active surface and the shadow element. receiving solar radiation incident on the active surface;
receiving solar radiation incident on the reflective surface;
reflecting a portion of the solar radiation incident on the reflective surface off the reflective surface and onto the active surface;
modifying the output of the sensor in response to the reflected portion. - View Dependent Claims (40)
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Specification