Fully automatic energy efficient lighting control and method of making same
USRE37135E · kind E · reissue
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 26, 1995 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
A fully automatic and energy efficient lighting control or light switch comprises different settings, preset by a user, and activates all or a portion of at least one bank of lights upon detecting occupants within a room. In one embodiment, the light switch detects doppler-shifted, reflected ultrasonic waves caused by occupant motion within the room. In an automatic mode, the light switch is configured to automatically switch from an initial sensitivity level for detecting motion within a short range therefrom, to a higher sensitivity level for detecting motion anywhere within the room. After the room is empty or no motion is sensed, the light switch is configured to turn the lights off following a variable time delay. The light switch returns to its initial low sensitivity level following a predetermined grace period which begins once the lights are turned off. The lights can be turned off manually when the light switch is in its automatic mode, in which case, the light switch continues to operate at the higher sensitivity level. When motion is no longer detected, and following the variable time delay and predetermined grace period, the switch automatically returns to an automatic…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.