Occupancy sensor with dimmer feature and night light and method of lighting control using the same
First Claim
1. A light control system comprising:
- a sensor for detecting occupancy in an area and controlling a light source;
a timer for determining a first time period during which occupancy is not detected by the occupancy sensor;
a dimmer for dimming a level of light in said area from a first light level to a second light level when a second period of time less than the first period of time is remaining on the timer; and
a controller coupled to the sensor, the timer and the dimmer for controlling the light level to remain at a second light level for a third time period before controlling the light level to return to a third light level;
wherein;
the second level is lower than the first level;
the second time period is less than the first time period;
if the occupancy sensor detects occupancy during the second time period, the controller controls the light source to return to the first level; and
if the occupancy sensor does not detect occupancy during the second time period and the second time period expires, the controller controls the light source to return to the third light level.
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Accused Products
Abstract
System and method are provided where an occupancy sensor with a time delay function designed to dim the lights, for example as a warning, after a first period of time has expired without detecting room occupancy. The lights remain dimmed for a second period of time, and then are turned off after a third period of time has expired without detecting room occupancy. If occupancy is detected during the first period of time, the lights will remain on. If occupancy is detected during the second or third period of time, the lights will be turned on to, for example, previous brightness. A night light can be added to, and/or incorporated in, an occupancy sensor which includes the dimmer feature.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A light control system comprising:
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a sensor for detecting occupancy in an area and controlling a light source; a timer for determining a first time period during which occupancy is not detected by the occupancy sensor; a dimmer for dimming a level of light in said area from a first light level to a second light level when a second period of time less than the first period of time is remaining on the timer; and a controller coupled to the sensor, the timer and the dimmer for controlling the light level to remain at a second light level for a third time period before controlling the light level to return to a third light level; wherein; the second level is lower than the first level; the second time period is less than the first time period; if the occupancy sensor detects occupancy during the second time period, the controller controls the light source to return to the first level; and if the occupancy sensor does not detect occupancy during the second time period and the second time period expires, the controller controls the light source to return to the third light level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of controlling output from a light source, the method comprising:
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detecting occupancy in an area and controlling a light source; determining a first time period during which occupancy is not detected in the area; and dimming a level of light in said area from a first light level to a second light level when a second period of time less than the first period of time is remaining after the determining; controlling the light level to remain at a second light level for a third time period before controlling the light level to return to a third light level, wherein the second level is lower than the first level, the second time period is less than the first time period; if the occupancy sensor detects occupancy during the second time period, controlling the light source to return to the first level; and if the occupancy sensor does not detect occupancy during the second time period and the second time period expires, controlling the light source to return to the third light level. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. A computer readable medium for storing thereon a set of computer executable instructions comprising:
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instruction for detecting occupancy in an area and controlling a light source; determining a first time period during which occupancy is not detected in the area; and instruction for dimming a level of light in said area from a first light level to a second light level when a second period of time less than the first period of time is remaining after the determining; instruction for controlling the light level to remain at a second light level for a third time period before controlling the light level to return to a third light level, wherein the second level is lower than the first level, the second time period is less than the first time period; instruction for, if the occupancy sensor detects occupancy during the second time period, controlling the light source to return to the first level; and instruction for, if the occupancy sensor does not detect occupancy during the second time period and the second time period expires, controlling the light source to return to the third light level.
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Specification