Method and system for illumination management
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a sensor comprising a first output configured to emit a first signal indicative of light level in an area;
a processor that comprises;
an input connected to the first output of the light sensor;
a second output configured to emit a second signal that controls light produced by a light source; and
memory; and
processor executable instructions stored in the memory for performing the steps of;
determining whether a difference between the light level and a target is due to a change in the target or due to a change in the light level;
setting the second signal to adjust the produced light according to the determination;
if the difference is due to a change in the light level, determining whether the difference continues for a period of time;
if the difference is determined to continue for the period of time, then setting the second signal to adjust the produced light; and
if the difference is determined to cease during the period of time, then not setting the second signal to adjust the produced light.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A luminaire can comprise a system that automatically adjusts light output from the luminaire to control light level in an illuminated area. The system can increase light output if the light level in the area falls below a target light level or decrease light output if the light level in the area rises above the target. For example, when the area is illuminated by a combination of sunlight and luminaire light, the light level can be maintained at the target level by gradually decreasing light output as the sunlight contribution increases in the morning and by gradually increasing light output as the sunlight contribution decreases in the evening. The system adjustments can take into consideration whether the light level is offset from the target due to a change in the target or a short-term fluctuation that may be due to a cloud temporarily blocking the sun.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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a sensor comprising a first output configured to emit a first signal indicative of light level in an area; a processor that comprises; an input connected to the first output of the light sensor; a second output configured to emit a second signal that controls light produced by a light source; and memory; and processor executable instructions stored in the memory for performing the steps of; determining whether a difference between the light level and a target is due to a change in the target or due to a change in the light level; setting the second signal to adjust the produced light according to the determination; if the difference is due to a change in the light level, determining whether the difference continues for a period of time; if the difference is determined to continue for the period of time, then setting the second signal to adjust the produced light; and if the difference is determined to cease during the period of time, then not setting the second signal to adjust the produced light. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A luminaire comprising:
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a frame; a light source mounted to the frame for illuminating an area; and a system mounted to the frame and operably coupled to the light source, the system comprising; a light sensor; a microprocessor system that has an associated memory and that is connected to the light sensor; and computer executable instructions stored in the memory for performing the steps of; monitoring light level in the area based on input from the light sensor; if the luminaire is in a mode and the monitored light level is beyond a threshold for an amount of time, then adjusting intensity of the light source; and if the luminaire is in a different mode and the monitored light level is beyond the threshold, then adjusting intensity of the light source prior to passage of the amount of time. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A luminaire comprising:
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a light source configured to illuminate an area; and a computer-based feedback system that is configured to control output of the light source by performing the steps of; monitoring light level in the area; changing gain of the light sensor based on the monitored light level; identifying an offset in the monitored light level relative to a target light level; making a determination about whether the offset persists for a predetermined amount of time; and adjusting the output of the light source according to the determination. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification