US 2004/0105091 A1 · Devices for measuring light from a source in situ

Abstract

A device for measuring light from a source includes a photometer and a collector. The photometer may include a detector, circuitry for processing output signals from the detector, and an output such as an LCD display. The collector engages with the photometer such that light from the source is incident on the detector and ambient light is prevented from entering. The collector may be configured to be releasably engageable with the photometer. A plurality of interchangeable collectors may be provided so that a single photometer is enabled to measure light from a plurality of sources. The collector may include a hood for engaging the source to block ambient light. The collector may also include optics disposed within the hood for directing light from the source onto the detector. The optics may include an optical diffuser disposed within the hood such that light from the source first passes through the diffuser to be incident on the detector. The optics may also include a reflective layer disposed on an inside of the hood for reflecting light within the hood. The measuring device may be utilized for measuring light from a variety of sources, such as sources that utilize LED arrays. Further, the measuring device may be configured to measure light from a source without having to remove the source from the installation site, such as traffic signals.

Claims43

Dependent claims

A device for measuring light from a source in situ, the device comprising:

a photometer including a detector;
and
a collector for engaging with the photometer such that light from the source is incident on the detector, the collector including:
a hood for engaging the source such that ambient light is prevented from entering the hood;
and
optics disposed within the hood for directing light from the source onto the detector.

3 more elements

A device for measuring intensity of light from a plurality of traffic signals, each of the traffic signals having a respective configuration and including an LED array, the device measuring intensity without having the LED array removed from the traffic signal being measured, the device comprising:

a photometer including:
a detector for generating a signal indicative of the intensity of the light from the traffic signal;
circuitry connected for processing the signal from the detector;
and
an output for displaying a signal responsive to the processed signal;
and
a plurality of collectors each being releasably engageable with the photometer, each of the collectors including:
a hood having a configuration for engaging with a respective one of the traffic signals such that ambient light is prevented from entering the hood and all of the light emitted by the LED array enters the hood;
and
optics disposed within the hood for directing light from the LED array of the traffic signal being measured onto the detector, the optics including:
a translucent optical diffuser disposed within the hood such that light incident on the detector first passes through the optical diffuser;
and
a reflective layer disposed on an inside surface of the hood for reflecting light incident thereon.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Devices for measuring light from a source in situ

Life of this patent

Devices for measuring light from a source in situ

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims43