System and method for monitoring status of a visual signal device

A system for monitoring status of a visual signal lamp comprising:

• at least one optical fiber comprising a first end and a second end, said first end positioned proximate to said signal lamp and oriented to capture a portion of light signal emitted by said signal lamp when said signal lamp is illuminated;
• a photodetector positioned proximate to said second end and configured to receive said portion of light signal, wherein said photodetector comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a photodiode, a phototransistor, a photomultiplier, and combinations thereof;
• a threshold detection circuitry connected to said photodetector and configured to detect a lighting parameter in relation to said signal lamp according to a predetermined criterion, wherein said lighting parameter comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of an intensity of light signal emitted by said signal lamp, a voltage across a lamp-head of said signal lamp, a flash rate of said signal lamp, and any combination thereof;
• a logical processor connected to said threshold detection circuitry and configured to determine a status of said signal lamp based on said lighting parameter;
• and
• an alerting system, wherein said logical processor is configured to send an alarm signal to said alerting system when there is a determined change in status of said signal lamp.

A visual signal system comprising:

• at least one signal lamp;
• at least one first optical fiber comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is positioned proximate to said signal lamp and oriented to capture a portion of light signal emitted by said signal lamp when said signal lamp is illuminated;
• a photodetector positioned proximate to said second end of said first optical fiber and configured to receive said portion of light signal;
• a continuity checking circuitry coupled to said first optical fiber and configured to check an continuity of said at least one first optical fiber;
• and
• a threshold detection circuitry connected to said photodetector and configured to detect a lighting parameter in relation to said signal lamp according to a predetermined criterion.
• wherein said lamp is enclosed in a lamp housing.

A method for monitoring status of a visual signal lamp comprising:

• positioning at least one optical fiber proximate to said signal lamp and orienting said at least one optical fiber to capture a portion of light signal emitted by said signal lamp when said signal lamp is illuminated;
• capturing a portion of light signal emitted by said signal lamp using said at least one optical fiber when said signal lamp is illuminated;
• and
• detecting a lighting parameter in relation to said signal lamp according to a predetermined criterion.