Light degradation sensing led signal with visible fault mode
AssigneeGELcore, LLC
InventorsJean-Simon Bourgault, Claude Boisvert
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A light emitting diode (LED) signal with an LED light output monitoring sensor. If the LED light output drops below a pre-set level, an output signal of the sensor via a comparator and deactivation circuit, deactivates one or more LEDs creating a visible fault display aspect, thereby visually indicating signal failure but allowing a continued use of the signal prior to replacement.
Claims15
An LED signal with a visual failure mode comprising:
- a housing having an interior area,
- a plurality of LEDs,
- a light sensing means,
- a comparator means, and
- a disablement means;
- the plurality of LEDs arranged and configured within said interior area of said housing;
- the light sensing means located within the interior area of the housing, having an output value relative to a light level within the housing;
- the comparator means comparing the output value to a reference value;
- the comparator initiates the disablement means which deactivates at least one of the LEDs if the output value is below the reference value.
An apparatus for detecting LED light degradation and initiating a visible failure mode comprising:
- a light sensing means for detecting an output level of at least one LED(s),
- a comparator means, and
- a disablement means;
- the light sensing means having an output value relative to a light level emitted by the LED(s);
- the comparator means comparing the output value to a reference value, representing a degradation light output level;
- if the output value is below the reference value the comparator initiates the disablement means, deactivating at least one of the LED(s).
A method for creating a visual failure mode in an LED light source with a plurality of LEDs, comprising the steps of:
- sensing a light output of the LED light source;
- comparing the light output to a reference;
- and
- de-activating at least one of the LEDs if the light output is less than the reference.
An apparatus for detecting a LED light degradation output and initiating a visual failure mode in an LED signal with a plurality of LEDs comprising:
- a light sensor,
- a comparator, and
- a switch;
- the light sensor sensing an LED light output level and outputting an electrical signal proportional to the LED light output level,
- the comparator comparing the electrical signal to a reference electrical signal and operating the switch if the electrical signal is below the reference electrical signal,
- the switch de-activating at least one of the plurality of LEDs.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.