Apparatus and method for ambient light measurement by a solid state light bulb

A method for a light bulb or fixture to emit light and measure ambient light. The method includes driving solid state light sources, such as LEDs, in the bulb with a cyclical signal to repeatedly turn the solid state light sources off and on, where the light sources are turned off and on at a rate sufficient for the bulb to appear on. The method also includes measuring ambient light via a light sensor in or on the bulb during at least some times when the light sources are off, and outputting a signal related to the measured ambient light. The ambient light level signal can be used to control when the light bulb is on and an intensity of light output by the bulb.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AMBIENT LIGHT MEASUREMENT BY A SOLID STATE LIGHT BULB

A method for a light bulb or fixture to emit light and measure ambient light. The method includes driving solid state light sources, such as LEDs, in the bulb with a cyclical signal to repeatedly turn the solid state light sources off and on, where the light sources are turned off and on at a rate sufficient for the bulb to appear on. The method also includes measuring ambient light via a light sensor in or on the bulb during at least some times when the light sources are off, and outputting a signal related to the measured ambient light. The ambient light level signal can be used to control when the light bulb is on and an intensity of light output by the bulb. 1. A method for a light fixture to emit light and measure ambient light , comprising steps of:driving a solid state light source in the light fixture with a cyclical signal to repeatedly turn the solid state light source off and on, wherein the solid state light source is turned off and on at a rate sufficient for the light fixture to appear on;measuring an ambient light level via a light sensor in or on the light fixture during at least some times when the solid state light source is off;outputting a signal related to the measured ambient light level; andreceiving programming signals via the light sensor for use in controlling the driving of the solid state light source, wherein the receiving step comprises detecting via the light sensor a particular series of light pulses as communication data instead of the ambient light level.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the measuring step comprises using a phototransistor to measure the ambient light level.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising controlling light output by the solid state light source based upon the measured ambient light level.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the driving step comprises turning off the solid state light source for less than one millisecond during the cyclical signal.56-. (canceled)7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ...

Apparatus and method for ambient light measurement by a solid state light bulb

A method for a light bulb or fixture to emit light and measure ambient light. The method includes driving solid state light sources, such as LEDs, in the bulb with a cyclical signal to repeatedly turn them off and on, where the light sources are turned off and on at a rate sufficient for the bulb to appear on. The method also includes measuring ambient light via a light sensor in or on the bulb during at least some times when the light sources are off, and outputting a signal related to the measured ambient light. In some cases the light sensor saturates when the solid state light sources are active and measures the ambient light level when the solid state light sources are not active. The ambient light level signal can be used to control when the light bulb is on and an intensity of light output by the bulb.

Restaurant table management system

Each table in a restaurant has a switch coupled to a wireless transmitter. When the switch is activated, the transmitter broadcasts a vacant table signal. The vacant table signal is received by a receiver that is coupled to a computer system. The computer responds to a vacant table signal by identifying a particular table as being vacant, and therefore ready for seating of a party. The computer is programmed to represent each table in the restaurant with an icon. The computer may be programmed to present a table as being in one of three states: (1) vacant; (2) occupied; and (3) anticipated to be vacant soon. When a party is seated at a particular table, this fact is entered into the computer, and the computer presents the table as occupied. The table is regarded as occupied until one of two events occurs. If the party leaves, the table will be bussed, and thereafter, the switch/transmitter circuit at the table will be activated. In response, the transmitter will transmit a vacant table signal, and the computer will present the table as vacant. Further, a table may be returned to a vacant state by manual command executed at the computer. Alternatively, if the occupancy duration of the table exceeds a threshold, the computer will draw the inference that it is likely that the party will soon leave. Accordingly, the computer will present the table as anticipated to be vacant soon.

Restaurant table management system

Apparatus and method for ambient light measurement by a solid state light bulb

A method for a light bulb or fixture to emit light and measure ambient light. The method includes driving solid state light sources, such as LEDs, in the bulb with a cyclical signal to repeatedly turn them off and on, where the light sources are turned off and on at a rate sufficient for the bulb to appear on. The method also includes measuring ambient light via a light sensor in or on the bulb during at least some times when the light sources are off, and outputting a signal related to the measured ambient light. In some cases the light sensor saturates when the solid state light sources are active and measures the ambient light level when the solid state light sources are not active. The ambient light level signal can be used to control when the light bulb is on and an intensity of light output by the bulb.

Wireless intercom system

Wireless intercom system

A wireless intercom unit includes an electronics housing including a first side, where the first side is configured to interface with a planar surface. The intercom unit also includes a microphone, a speaker, and an input device, where these components are located on a portion of the housing other than the first side. The intercom further includes a first channel transceiver for a first channel radio frequency range. In another embodiment, a wireless communication system includes a wireless intercom unit and an earpiece for wireless communication with the wireless intercom unit. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a wireless communication system includes a wireless intercom unit and a remote switch for providing user input information to the intercom unit.