GB2209209A - Light sensitive device - Google Patents
Light sensitive device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2209209A GB2209209A GB8720351A GB8720351A GB2209209A GB 2209209 A GB2209209 A GB 2209209A GB 8720351 A GB8720351 A GB 8720351A GB 8720351 A GB8720351 A GB 8720351A GB 2209209 A GB2209209 A GB 2209209A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- light
- photoelectric
- component
- optical fibres
- photosensitive
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000002105 tongue Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
- G01J1/02—Details
- G01J1/04—Optical or mechanical part supplementary adjustable parts
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
- G01J1/02—Details
- G01J1/04—Optical or mechanical part supplementary adjustable parts
- G01J1/0407—Optical elements not provided otherwise, e.g. manifolds, windows, holograms, gratings
- G01J1/0425—Optical elements not provided otherwise, e.g. manifolds, windows, holograms, gratings using optical fibers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
- G01J1/42—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B15/00—Identifying, scaring or incapacitating burglars, thieves or intruders, e.g. by explosives
- G08B15/002—Identifying, scaring or incapacitating burglars, thieves or intruders, e.g. by explosives with occupancy simulation
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
- H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
- H05B47/105—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters
- H05B47/11—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
- Y02B20/40—Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
- Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
Abstract
A light sensitive device comprising a photosenstive component (1) coupled to two or more optical fibres (11a, 11b) having spaced apart exposed ends (12a, 12b) for transmission of light from the exterior of the device to the photosensitive component (1) whereby the device may be responsive to the external light intensity. The device may switch on, e.g. lamps, as darkness falls to deter burglars. <IMAGE>
Description
HOME SECURITY DEVICE
The present invention relates particularly but not exclusively to home security devices. In particular, it relates to a light sensitive triggering device useful in electric plugs, sockets or lampholders to switch on electric appliances as darkness falls to deter burglars. In one aspect, the invention relates to means of general application for joining an optical fibre and a photoelectric device, for example a photoresistor in a light sensitive triggering device. In another aspect the invention relates to the use of two or more optical fibres to transmit light ifl a light sensitive device.
It is well known that burglars may be deterred from entering premises by attaching an electric appliance, for example a lamp, to a time switch to switch on the appliance when it is dark so that the premises appear to be occupied. It is also known to include in time switches a light sensitive triggering device exposed to the outside of the switch to switch on the appliance when the light falls below a certain minimum threshold so as to give a more realistic impression that the premises are occupied.
In one aspect, the present invention provides an arrangement for coupling an optical fibre and a photoelectric device, such as a photoresistor or phototransistor, for example. The arrangement comprises the photoelectric device and a saddle or holder to be secured over the photoelectric device and for holding the optical fibre with one of its ends juxtaposed to the photosensitive surface of the photoelectric device.
Preferably, the photoelectric device comprises a photosensitive end face and a side surface extending at an angle from the end face, the saddle or holder comprising a recess for receiving the photoelectric device and means within which the optical fibre may be held with its one end juxtaposed to the photosensitive end face. The recess may have a continuous or discontinuous side wall and should desirably be complementary with the photosensitive device at least to the extent that it co-operates with the side surface of the device to prevent lateral movement thereof. In one modification, there is designed to be a space between at least a portion of the side wall of the recess and the side surface of the device and in which adhesive may be placed.
For example, the photoelectric device may be generally cubic or cuboid in shape, the four side walls of the cube or cuboid forming the side surface of the device, and the saddle or holder being generally in the form of a hollow cube or cuboid complementary at least with the side surface of the photoelectric device and having one open end face such that the photoelectric device can be slid into the saddle and its side walls can co-operate with the side walls of the saddle to prevent lateral movement. The end face of the saddle opposite the open end face includes an aperture or plurality of apertures or other means in which one or more optical fibres may be held with one of their end faces contacting the photosensitive surface of said device.
The saddle and photoelectric device may be secured together by glue between the securing means and at least a portion of the photoelectric device.
Preferably, this arrangement is incorporated in a security device, especially a home security device, as part of a light sensor triggering device which is triggered to switch on an electric appliance when the light falls below a predetermined level.
It is desirable that the triggering device includes at least two optical fibres coupled to the photosensitive (or photoelectric) component of the device and having their free ends exposed to the exterior of the device at different places so that light intensity can be transmitted from different places or angles through the optical fibres to the photoelectric component. A light sensitive device including two or more optical fibres arranged in this way, irrespective of the mode of coupling of the optical fibres to the photosensitive component, forms a further aspect of the invention. Preferably the device comprises two optical fibres having their free ends pointing in directions desirably with a radial separation in the order of 1800 (e.g.
1600 2000) as well as any further optional optical fibres. In this way, the device can be used without restriction as to its orientation relative to the light source(s) (e.g. window(s)) in its place of operation.
The present invention is further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic cross section of an arrangement according to the invention; and
Figure 2 is an end view of the photoelectric component and saddle of Figure 1.
The arrangement shown in Figure 1 comprises a photoresistor 1 (or other photoelectric element, e.g.
a phototransistor) coupled by wires 2,2' (only one of which is visible in Figure 1) to an electronic circuit (not shown). The photoelectric component 1 has a photosensitive surface 3 and a side surface 4 extending at an angle (e.g. 900) to the photosensitive end face 3. The side surface 4 comprises four side face 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, the photoelectric component 1 being generally cuboid in shape.
The component 1 is secured in a saddle or holder 5 which is in the form of a hollow cuboid open at one end and whose lateral interior dimensions are generally complementary to the lateral exterior dimensions of the component 1. The side walls 6a-6d of the saddle 5 constitute means to co-operate with or be secured to the side surface 4 of the component 1 and may be replaced with alternative such means, e.g. two more separate tongues designed to secure at least a pair of opposed portions of the side surface 4, for example.
The component 1 may be glued in the saddle 5 by adhesive 8 between the photosensitive end face 3 of the component 1 and the opposed face 9 of the saddle. Alternatively a thin layer of adhesive may be put between at least a portion of the side surface 4 ot the component and the opposed area of the side walls 6a-6d of the saddle.
At its end face 9 adjacent the photosensitive end face 3 of the component 1, the saddle 5 has means 10 for holding an optical fibre (in this case two optical fibres lla,llb) with one of its ends juxtaposed to the photosensitive end face 3. The optical fibre or fibres are preferably made of plastics. In the illustrated embodiment, the means comprises two through holes in which the optical fibres are held by the adhesive 8. The optical fibres are a tight fit in the through holes and this aids assembly of the device and also serves to help hold the fibres in place in the completed device. If adhesive is used between the photosensitive end face 3 of the component 1 and opposed end face 9 of the saddle, it should be a clear adhesive which will permit transmission of light. Indeed, there may be a layer of such adhesive between the ends of the fibres lla, llb and the component 1.Other suitable clamping, holding or gripping means may be used to hold the optical fibres lla, llb.
The two optical fibres lla, llb are bent by a 0 desired angle which is generally less than 90 and terminate at exposed ends 12a,12b in through holes 13a, 13b in the outer wall 14 of the device of which the arrangement is part (e.g. a lampholder) such that light externally of the device is transmitted through the fibres lla, llb to the component 1. The exposed ends 12a, 12b of the fibres lla,llb are spaced apart such that they face in directions substantially 1800 from each other (i.e. are substantially diagonally opposed).If only a single optical fibre were used, the device would have to be oriented in use to avoid having the fibre facing in a direction where the light intensity was unusually low, e.g. a dark corner, because the light intensity received by the component 1 would be unrepresentatively low compared with the general level of illumination in the locality of the device. By using two or more spaced apart fibres this problem is reduced or eliminated.
During assembly, the ends of the optical fibres (at least the ends to contact the photoelectric component) are sealed by heating with a heated plate to obtain an even surface area.
The photoelectric component 1 together with the remainder of the circuit of which it is part constitutes a light sensor triggering device which is triggered when the light intensity received by the component 1 falls below a minimum threshold. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit is programmed to switch on and off a number of times over a predetermined period the power supply to an electrical appliance until the supply is finally turned off, in order to simulate the normal activity of a resident as he moves around his house or flat during an evening switching on and off electric appliances such as lights or audio or video apparatus. Such electric circuits are known and need not be described here.Obviously such a complicated switching routine is not essential and once switched on the electrical appliance could, for example, stay on indefinitely or for a single predetermined period.
In use the device is connected to a power supply and to a lightbulb, radio, television or other electrical appliance in a house or other premises in a room with a window. As evening approaches, the light intensity falls to below the threshold which actuates the triggering device to connect the power supply to the appliance and initiate any switching routine. The device itself may be a lampholder, or an electric plug or socket, for example.
The procedure we use for manufacturing the illustrated arrangement comprises the following steps:
1. The optical fibres are cut to the desired
length.
2. The optical fibres are inserted into the
saddle and their ends which are to be coupled
to the component 1 are sealed by heating.
3. The optical fibres are withdrawn from the
outside of the saddle so that only a very short
portion 7 of each fibre extends beyond the end
face 9 of the saddle into the recess defined by
the end face 9 and the side surface 4, i.e.
into the interior of the saddle.
4. Translucent glue is applied to the
photosensitive end face 3 of the component l.
5. The component is inserted into the recess
in the saddle and pressed against the ends of
the optical fibres so that when the glue cures
the ends of the fibres contact or otherwise
juxtapose the component 1.
6. The optical fibres are heated with hot air 0
and bent by an angle of less than 90 The optical fibres lla,llb and the legs 2,2a of the photoresistor or other component may be covered with heat shrinkable tube (e.g. that sold under the trade mark Hishrink) which is then shrunk and hardened by means of hot air.
Claims (6)
1. A light-sensitive device comprising a photosensitive component coupled to two or more optical fibres having spaced apart exposed ends for transmission of light from the exterior of the device to the photosensitive component whereby the device may be responsive to the external light intensity.
2. A light sensitive device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the exposed ends of two optical fibres are each positioned to receive light coming from a direction in the order of 1800 (e.g. from 1600 to 2000) from that of the light received by the other optical fibre, the device optionally having at least one additional optical fibre positioned to receive light coming from at least one additional direction.
3. A light sensitive device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 which comprises an electric socket, electric plug, or electric light bulb holder.
4. A light sensitive device substantially as hereinbefore described.
5. The use of a plurality of optical fibres in transmitting light from different directions to a photosensitive device so as to control/activate the device.
6. An arrangement for coupling an optical fibre and a photoelectric device, comprising the photoelectric device and a saddle or holder which is to be secured over the photoelectric device and which is adapted to hold the optical fibre with one of its ends juxtaposed to the photosensitive surface of the photoelectric device.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8720351A GB2209209A (en) | 1987-08-28 | 1987-08-28 | Light sensitive device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8720351A GB2209209A (en) | 1987-08-28 | 1987-08-28 | Light sensitive device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8720351D0 GB8720351D0 (en) | 1987-10-07 |
| GB2209209A true GB2209209A (en) | 1989-05-04 |
Family
ID=10622978
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8720351A Withdrawn GB2209209A (en) | 1987-08-28 | 1987-08-28 | Light sensitive device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2209209A (en) |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1335541A (en) * | 1970-01-19 | 1973-10-31 | British Paint Colour Res Ass | Colour measuring devices |
| GB1376245A (en) * | 1972-01-19 | 1974-12-04 | Rank Organisation Ltd | Optical scanning apparatus |
| GB1471164A (en) * | 1973-10-22 | 1977-04-21 | Olympus Optical Co | Solid state reading out device |
| GB1563283A (en) * | 1976-06-30 | 1980-03-26 | Cerberus Ag | Infrared radiation intrusion detector |
| EP0115575A2 (en) * | 1982-12-08 | 1984-08-15 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Displays in automobiles |
-
1987
- 1987-08-28 GB GB8720351A patent/GB2209209A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1335541A (en) * | 1970-01-19 | 1973-10-31 | British Paint Colour Res Ass | Colour measuring devices |
| GB1376245A (en) * | 1972-01-19 | 1974-12-04 | Rank Organisation Ltd | Optical scanning apparatus |
| GB1471164A (en) * | 1973-10-22 | 1977-04-21 | Olympus Optical Co | Solid state reading out device |
| GB1563283A (en) * | 1976-06-30 | 1980-03-26 | Cerberus Ag | Infrared radiation intrusion detector |
| EP0115575A2 (en) * | 1982-12-08 | 1984-08-15 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Displays in automobiles |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB8720351D0 (en) | 1987-10-07 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5662408A (en) | Simple plug in night light having a low profile | |
| DE59809672D1 (en) | Halogen light bulb with socket | |
| DE69520116D1 (en) | FIBER OPTICAL HOUSING WITH LOWER SOCKET | |
| MX163821B (en) | LOW PROFILE LIGHT BULB SOCKET SET AND MANUFACTURING METHOD | |
| DE3887700D1 (en) | Socket with additional module. | |
| EP3642813B1 (en) | A sensor assembly and a device comprising such sensor assembly | |
| DE69416647D1 (en) | Connection socket with low insertion force | |
| DE69605243D1 (en) | Remote control device with rotatable end connector | |
| US5252947A (en) | Home security device simulating a television receiver | |
| DE69404923D1 (en) | Socket with improved contact element | |
| FR2736757B1 (en) | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH AUTOMATIC PLUG | |
| GB2209209A (en) | Light sensitive device | |
| SE9403466L (en) | Lamp base, lamp and ways to control lighting | |
| DE3885537D1 (en) | Plug socket with switch. | |
| EE9900046A (en) | Light diffusing spring connection between light conductors | |
| DE3879365D1 (en) | JACK PLUG MODULE WITH BUILT-IN LAMPS. | |
| GB2331405B (en) | Light bulb socket | |
| US6343870B1 (en) | Figured lamp structure | |
| EP0785393A3 (en) | Light source assembly and bulb unit therefor | |
| KR950007635U (en) | Electronic fluorescent lamp safety device with remote control dimming control | |
| PT90940A (en) | CYLINDRICAL TERMINAL WITH DISPLACEMENT AND ISOLATION AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR USING THAT TERMINAL | |
| KR200161340Y1 (en) | Nobe display apparatus of camera main body for door vision | |
| AU1502599A (en) | Photoluminescent light emitter with enhanced photometric brightness characteristics | |
| KR950019776U (en) | Connection structure between light bulb and socket | |
| KR910005037U (en) | Compact bulb socket coupling device for fluorescent light switch |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |