Solar panel based indoor low power sensors
AssigneeNEC Corporation Of America
InventorTsvi LEV
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and associated method include a housing that includes a sensor, a transmitter, and a power source. A solar panel is configured to receive light energy from an artificial light source to generate an electrical charge. An electrical connection may convey the electrical charge to the power source to energize the sensor, and a fastener fixates the solar panel within 10 cm of the artificial light source. The solar panel may be further positioned with respect to the housing and the artificial light source. For instance, the solar panel may be positioned so as to minimally obstruct visible light from the artificial light source within an area to be illuminated. The housing may comprise part of an Internet of Things (IOT) device.
Claims22
An apparatus comprising:
- a solar panel configured to receive light energy from an artificial light source to generate an electrical charge;
- a housing including:
- a sensor,
- a transmitter;
- and
- a power source that energizes the sensor;
- an electrical connection configured to convey the electrical charge from the solar panel to the power source;
- and
- a fastener configured to fixate the solar panel within 10 cm of the artificial light source and such that the solar panel is lit by the artificial light source.
A method of manufacturing a sensor system, the method comprising:
- providing housing including a sensor, a transmitter, and a power source;
- connecting the solar panel and the housing using an electrical connection, wherein the solar panel receives light energy from an artificial light source and generates an electrical charge, and wherein the electrical connection is configured to convey the electrical charge to the power source;
- and
- fastening the housing or the solar panel to an artificial light source, wherein the solar panel is positioned within 10 cm of the artificial light source.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.