Abstract: A device for detecting a fault of at least one street lamp of a plurality of street lamps which are connectable in common to an AC power supply is proposed. The proposed device allows detecting whether a fault has occurred based on obtaining measures representative of the total active and reactive power supplied by the AC power supply to the plurality of street lamps, and detecting variations in these measures. Optionally, also the type of fault can be determined based on detected variations in the power measures.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and transmitting optical data for an electronic display to a user. A color light sensor is placed in front of the viewable area of an electronic display and is used to measure various optical properties to determine if the display is functioning properly. The user may be notified when a display is malfunctioning. The display may store optical data locally for later retrieval by the user. The user may access the optical data through a network connection with the display. One or more displays may be placed adjacent to one another and their optical properties may be measured and balanced so that the displays match one another or can be used as a harmonious array. A watermark can be used to confirm that specific video segments were actually displayed by the electronic display.

Abstract: A method and system of classifying predicted performance of HID lamps or light sources. A characteristic of each lamp or light source is measured after a relatively short time of operation of the lamp or light source. The measurement is placed into one of a plurality of classifications based on its relative value to other similar measurements. Each class is correlated to long term predicted performance of the lamp or light source.

Abstract: A detect method is provided for performing step dimming selection in an electronic ballast including an End of Lamp Life detect circuit and a half-bridge inverter, the End of Lamp Life detect circuit being connected to an input terminal of the control circuit, wherein each time when the power switch is turned on, it is judged whether the electronic ballast should enter the dimming mode or not by detecting the voltage at the input terminal of the control circuit before the half-bridge inverter starts operating.

Abstract: A method and system of remotely monitoring an operational status of electronic discharge devices in an air purification system senses emitted radiation at a location proximate the air purification system, alone or in combination with a determination of an amount of time remaining in an operational lifetime of the electronic discharge device, or an amount of power delivered to at least one of the electronic discharge devices. A determination of the operational status of at least one of the electronic discharge devices is made based on at least emitted radiation, and the status information is transmitted to a remote monitoring unit that receives the status information and displays an indicator of operational status. In one embodiment, the operational status of a UV-C germicidal lamp may be monitored using optically sensitive devices located within a purification system.

Abstract: The present invention relates a diagnosis device for detecting an end of lamp life of a lamp, a diagnosis method, and a lamp ballast circuit using the same. The diagnosis device generates a reference lamp voltage by adding a predetermined reference voltage to a distributed voltage corresponding to a lamp voltage applied to a lamp and generates an integrated lamp voltage by integrating the reference lamp voltage. The diagnosis device compares the integrated lamp voltage with a normal range that an integrated lamp voltage has when the lamp is in a normal state.

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method of detecting signal lamps in a vehicle, in particular in a large vehicle, being provided with a plurality of signal lamps each being capable of switching between an OFF-phase and an ON-phase. The method includes the steps of during the OFF-phase of a vehicle signal lamp to be probed inducing a probing current by connecting an electric current generator to said vehicle signal lamp circuit, where the probing current is lower than the nominal current for the lamp in question. The next step is to detect the electric voltage level over the lamp circuit and determining vehicle signal lamp characteristics such as type and condition based on said electric voltage level detection. The result of the determination is that the signal lamp is a LED lamp being connected, when the detected voltage level is within a predetermined interval between a first voltage level and a second voltage level.

Abstract: A detector for an ultraviolet lamp system of the type having a microwave generator includes a first circuit that is configured to detect the microwave energy generated from the microwave generator. The first circuit includes at least one radiation sensitive component capable of failing upon exposure to an excessive amount of microwave energy. A second circuit is coupled to the first circuit and configured to intermittently test whether the radiation sensitive component has failed. An ultraviolet lamp system includes the detector. An associated method includes monitoring the microwave energy through the first circuit including at least one radiation sensitive component capable of failing upon exposure to an excessive amount of microwave energy and testing the radiation sensitive component to determine whether the radiation sensitive component has failed.

Abstract: In order to detect a defective light source, such as a LED coupled to a DC-DC converter circuit for receiving a power signal, an outage detection circuit comprises a top voltage detector coupled to the LED for detecting a voltage across the LED. The top voltage detector has an top voltage terminal for supplying a top voltage signal. The detection circuit further comprises a differential amplifier coupled to the top voltage terminal for receiving the top voltage signal as a first input signal and coupled to a reference voltage terminal. The reference voltage terminal is configured to supply a reference voltage as a second input signal. The differential amplifier comprises an output terminal for supplying an outage detection signal.

Abstract: An evaluation device for measuring the ignition energy of a discharge lamp that is ignited by means of a superposed ignition unit, with the aid of a measuring signal that is proportional to the voltage across the discharge, and a measuring signal that is proportional to the current flowing through the lamp, is provided. The evaluation device is configured such that the energy injected into a discharge lamp during a high voltage pulse is suitably evaluated by means of a combination of an analog circuit and a digital circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a status and/or condition of an LED/OLED device 10, comprising the steps of: applying at least one time varying signal 22 to the LED/OLED device, acquiring the response 24 to said at least one time varying signal, correlating said response with predetermined values 30, and determining the status/condition 32 on the basis of the correlation result. Further, 5 the present invention relates to a device adapted to carry out the inventive method.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for providing fault monitoring for light emitting diode (LED) circuits. Embodiments receive an indication from a fault control module that a fault has occurred in a portion of an LED module (e.g., a series string of LEDs). The fault may represent an open fault or a closed fault condition. In some embodiments, a monitoring module receives the fault indication and generates a further representation that the fault has occurred (e.g., for use by external components or systems). In other embodiments, the monitoring module in configured to further indicate which in the LED module has failed, and/or in what fault condition (e.g., open or closed).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a lamp abnormality detecting device that detects an abnormality in a lamp. A maximum/minimum extraction circuit outputs, as a maximum current, a current having a maximum current value among currents supplied thereto from lamp drive circuits and outputs, as a minimum current, a current having a minimum current value. A subtraction circuit calculates a difference between the maximum current and the minimum current and outputs an amplified difference as a differential voltage. A comparison circuit compares the differential voltage with a predetermined threshold voltage and outputs a result of the comparison as a control signal. A control circuit stops the operation of the lamp drive circuit when the control signal indicates that the differential voltage is higher than the threshold voltage.

Abstract: There is provided a method that can detect the lamp type of fluorescent lamps and operate the lamp at the appropriate lamp power. The proposed method involves the classification of lamp characteristics of existing fluorescent lamps and the use of logic detection method such as a fuzzy logic detection and control technique to zoom into the right type of lamp. The information used in the lamp detection includes (1) lamp filament/electrode resistance, (2) lamp voltage and (3) lamp current. These three pieces of information can be used to select the appropriate fluorescent lamp type so that the control gear can operate the lamp at the right rated power. The importance of this invention can lead to a universal electronic ballast that can detect and operate all fluorescent lamps commonly available. It can also be used in a limited capacity to control a limited range of lamps.

Abstract: A lamp connector allows for checking of a connection between an external electrode of an external electrode tubular lamp and a terminal fitting into which the external electrode is fitted. Because the lamp connector into which an external electrode provided on the outer surface of an end portion of a tubular lamp is fitted includes a terminal fitting which includes a terminal piece and a terminal piece insulated from each other which are to be individually brought into contact with the external electrode, it is possible to easily check conduction between the external electrode and the terminal fitting using a tester. Accordingly, any poor fitting of the lamp into the connector can be readily found and corrected.

Abstract: A lamp overload detection/modulation circuit including a microcontroller unit for detecting rectangular wave signal reflective of the power used by the lamp load and pulse width signal of AC power. The positive bandwidths of the two signals are compared with a predetermined full-load value. In the case that the positive bandwidths of the two signals are both larger than the full-load value, it is indicated that the lamp load is under an overload condition. Under such circumstance, the microcontroller unit controls a lamp load driving unit to change driving manner and lower the power used by the lamp load to a value within a nominal range. Then the lamp load automatically restores to the full-load state. Accordingly, the lamp is protected from long-term overload condition.

Abstract: A lamp includes a generator that generates electricity. A battery stores the generated electricity. A light source produces light from the stored electricity. A metering device tallies an operating parameter indicative of the amount of electrical energy consumed by the lamp.

Abstract: A test system includes a front bezel of an electronic device and a test device. The front bezel includes a plurality of positions defined in the front bezel, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) located in the plurality of positions, and a female LED connector connected to the plurality of LEDs. The test device includes a male LED connector electrically connected to the female LED connector, and a programmable logic device (PLD) electrically connected to the male LED connector, and configured to control the LEDs to emit light in a sequence to determine if the plurality of LEDs are correctly located in the correct plurality of positions.

Abstract: A method is described for detecting defective operation of a discharge lamp (7). The method comprises the steps of determining the lamp impedance and establishing that the lamp is operating in an incandescent mode if it is found that the lamp has a positive impedance. The lamp current is varied and the lamp voltage variation in response to the lamp current variation is analyzed to determine the lamp impedance. In a specific embodiment, the lamp current is set at a first magnitude (I(tM1)) at a first measuring moment (tM1) and a first lamp voltage (V(tM1)) occurring at said first measuring moment is measured, while at a second measuring moment (tM2) the lamp current is set at a second magnitude (I(tM2)) different from the first magnitude and a second lamp voltage (V(tM2)) occurring at said second measuring moment is measured, and the relationship between said two lamp voltages is analyzed.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes twenty-four dielectric barrier discharge lamps, and a ballast circuit for lighting the twenty-four dielectric barrier discharge lamps which includes a DC power supply, an inverter circuit, a step-up transformer, and a lighting lamp number detecting circuit. The lighting lamp number detecting circuit detects the number of normally lighting dielectric barrier discharge lamps based on a first peek appearing right after polarity change of an approximate rectangular wave provided from the step-up transformer. When the detected number is less than a predetermined value, the operation of the ballast circuit is controlled to be stopped.

Abstract: A projector lamp electronic test circuit is provided. The test circuit includes an electrical connector configured to be operatively coupled to a lamp of a projection unit under test, a converter configured to receive a test charge to be sent to the lamp from an alternating current power source, the converter configured to convert the test charge from alternating current to direct current, and an autotransformer operatively coupled to the converter, the autotransformer configured to regulate a voltage of the test charge, the voltage being suitably high enough to cause failure of the lamp.

Abstract: A detector for an ultraviolet lamp system of the type having a microwave generator includes a first circuit that is configured to detect the microwave energy generated from the microwave generator. The first circuit includes at least one radiation sensitive component capable of failing upon exposure to an excessive amount of microwave energy. A second circuit is coupled to the first circuit and configured to intermittently test whether the radiation sensitive component has failed. An ultraviolet lamp system includes the detector. An associated method includes monitoring the microwave energy through the first circuit including at least one radiation sensitive component capable of failing upon exposure to an excessive amount of microwave energy and testing the radiation sensitive component to determine whether the radiation sensitive component has failed.

Abstract: A testing device (1) for lighting means (3) operated at a nominal voltage (Vn) and at a nominal frequency (fn), having a capacitive coupling of a test voltage (Vp) at a testing frequency of (fp) to the lighting means (3), wherein a coupled test voltage (Vpa) corresponds to the nominal voltage (Vn), and a coupled test frequency (fpa) corresponds to the nominal frequency (fn).

Abstract: Control of delivery of current through one or more discharge lamps. Methods include alternately switching on and off switching elements that control a fluorescent lamp, in response to receiving input, until the brightness of the lamp decreases to a threshold. Further, methods include providing control signals at complementary duty cycles to further decrease the brightness and alternating the duty cycles of the signals applied to the filaments of the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: For monitoring the operation of a gas discharge lamp operated with an AC voltage, a lamp voltage signal is generated which is dependent on the voltage dropped across the gas discharge lamp during operation. Said lamp voltage signal is filtered with an attenuation that is different for a DC component and for a component having the frequency of the AC voltage, whereupon a positive and negative peak value of the filtered lamp voltage signal are determined. For monitoring the gas discharge lamp, an average value of the two peak values is determined and compared with a limit value, and a difference value between the two peak values is determined and compared with a limit value.

Abstract: A method for testing a status of a light unit is provided, wherein the method includes electrically coupling the light unit to a controller and transmitting a negative voltage from the controller to the light unit. The method also includes detecting at least one of current and voltage passing through the light unit and determining a status of the light unit based on at least one of the detected current and detected voltage.

Abstract: A ceiling fan motor control module includes a digital core controller coupled to a brushless motor for computing, processing, transmitting and controlling signals and providing a soft start and stop function, a back stage output device for receiving signals from the digital core controller and modulating the voltage to a predetermine operating value for driving the brushless motor, a protection control device for receiving and detecting signals from each power supply, back stage output device and brushless motor to effectively provide an automatic tripping protection, a signal indication module for receiving signals from the digital core controller to indicate the current status of the digital core controller, and an interface processing device installed between each power supply and the digital core controller for receiving a feedback signal and a control command of the digital core controller, such that the protection control device can automatically and effectively disconnect the output and stop the operat

Abstract: A repair device for fixing a malfunctioning shunt across a failed filament in a light bulb in a group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs includes a high-voltage pulse generator producing one or more pulses of a magnitude greater than the standard AC power line voltage. A connector receives the pulses from the pulse generator and supplies them to the group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs. The pulse generator may be a piezoelectric pulse generator, a battery-powered electronic pulse generator, and/or an AC-powered electrical pulse generator.

Abstract: A flexible circuit and continuity testing device may include a flexible printed circuit substrate. A battery having a positive and negative terminal may be attached to the substrate. An illumination source, e.g., an LED, may be attached to the substrate. The testing device may include a flexible electrical contact array, a small bulb tester, a fuse tester and a system tester. Each of these may be incorporated into the substrate and coplanar with the substrate. The contact array may include a planar coil shape, a semicircular shape, a pair of parallel contacts, a set of converging contacts or other configurations. The device may be about the size and shape of a credit card. The substrate may include a magnet or a pocket clip.

Abstract: This present invention discloses a light-driving system capable of providing an accurate calibration of signal measurement and a method for performing the same, including an automatic power control (APC) circuit which is pre-calibrated for a signal measurement process. By enlarging at least one measured pad of the APC circuit, multiple grounding paths are established via a plurality of probes of a test instrument. An impedance effect predicted on the contact between the probes and the pad is diminished greatly. A voltage value on the pad can be accurately measured. Thus, a reference voltage value input to a first input of a comparator of the APC circuit can be determined on a basis of a specific condition when a ramping voltage value input to a second input of the comparator is substantially equal to a sum of a predetermined reference voltage value and the voltage value of the pad.

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method of detecting signal lamps in a vehicle, in particular in a large vehicle, being provided with a plurality of signal lamps each being capable of switching between an OFF-phase and an ON-phase. The method includes the steps of during the OFF-phase of a vehicle signal lamp to be probed inducing a probing current by connecting an electric current generator to said vehicle signal lamp circuit, where the probing current is lower than the nominal current for the lamp in question. The next step is to detect the electric voltage level over the lamp circuit and determining vehicle signal lamp characteristics such as type and condition based on said electric voltage level detection. The result of the determination is that the signal lamp is a LED lamp being connected, when the detected voltage level is within a predetermined interval between a first voltage level and a second voltage level.

Abstract: The electronic ballast with lamp type determination for an electronic ballast providing power to a lamp filament 208 includes a filament current sensing circuit 220 operably connected to the lamp filament 208 and generating a sensed filament current signal, and a microprocessor U2 receiving the sensed filament current signal and operably connected to control the power to the lamp filament 208. The microprocessor U2 is programmed to heat the lamp filament by applying the power at a first frequency, measure the filament characteristics, and determine lamp type from the measured filament characteristics. The microprocessor U2 can also be programmed to update operating parameters for the electronic ballast to suit the determined lamp type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement (10) for monitoring a gas discharge lamp (22), comprising a control circuit (18) for detecting an electrical measured value assigned to the lamp voltage. The control circuit (18) is provided for detecting one voltage value prior to a change in current and a second voltage value after a change in current, or a setting time, and for producing a control signal which depends on the difference in the voltage values or on the setting time. In this way, a pressure within the lamp is monitored and a control signal can be produced which can be used to cool the lamp or to switch the lamp off. This methods detects inflation and therefore prevents an explosion of the lamp.

Abstract: The system consists of an LED failure detection circuit to provide protection against individual LED catastrophic failure. When LED clusters are arranged in a series-parallel configuration, it is important to detect individual LED failure in order to avoid uncontrolled luminous intensity reduction and/or light uniformity degradation. The circuit compares the voltage levels on LEDs with similar position but situated in different chains. In normal conditions, the voltage levels are substantially similar to one another. In case of individual or multiple LED failure, open or shortcircuit, the circuit sends a signal to the automatic turn off circuit that initiates the lamp forced turn off sequence.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a light-emitting element for a defect includes (a) measuring a light output of a light-emitting element while injecting a current into the light-emitting element, (b) setting a drive current according to an injected current and a measured light output, (c) measuring a light output while injecting the set drive current into the light-emitting element in a forward direction, and (d) determining whether or not the light-emitting element has a defect, according to the light output measured in step (c).

Abstract: A method of determining a zero point of a current sensor in a circuit arrangement for operating a gas discharge lamp includes switching off the current through the sensor for a short period during a first half wave and determining a first test value. Then the current through the sensor is switched off for a short period during a second half wave having a different polarity and a second test value is determined. The average value of the two test values is formed and the zero point is determined using the average value. It is prevented thereby that the zero point drifts during lamp operation, and that amplitudes of the positive and negative half waves of the lamp current are formed differently.

Abstract: A system for driving a plurality of lamps comprises a lamp module, an inverter circuit providing currents to the lamp module, an interface for conveying the currents, a splitter, a balance unit, and a fault detecting circuit. The splitter receives the currents provided by the inverter circuit through the interface and distributing the currents to the plurality of lamps. The balance unit balances the currents provided to the plurality of lamps in the lamp module. The fault detecting circuit detects and reports a condition of at least one of the lamps by detecting signals generated from the inverter circuit. The fault detecting circuit receives the signal from a point in the system, such that the fault detecting circuit can detects the signals before the signal undergoes the distributing by the splitter.

Abstract: A system for driving a plurality of lamps includes an inverter circuit (20) and a fault detecting circuit (30). The inverter circuit includes a plurality of outputs divided into a first output part and a second output part. The fault detecting circuit is used for detecting whether one or more of the plurality of outputs of the inverter circuit is faulty, and includes a magnetic element circuit (300) and a signal detecting circuit (310). The magnetic element circuit is used for generating an induction signal according to flux changes of the magnetic element circuit when one of the plurality of outputs is faulty. The signal detecting circuit is used for generating a fault signal according to the induction signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for testing the function of a lamp circuit, consisting of at least one lamp, by measuring the current and voltage. Here, a resistance value is taken into account which is specified as a polynomial of at least the 1st order, preferably of the 3rd order, depending on the effective measured voltage on the lamp circuit, whereby the parameters of the polynomial are determined by a quantity of measurements which at least corresponds to the order of the polynomial, under operating conditions which are known to differ, and the specific resistance value or a value derived from it are compared with a specified value. It is particularly advantageous that when the parameters are standardised to the nominal power by multiplying the parameters by the nominal power, uniform average values with acceptable deviations are found over wide ranges of lamps with a different nominal power.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for measuring cathode fall within a fluorescent lamp that contains an electrode and a gas. A level of cathode fall associated with the electrode may be identified based on an intensity and wavelength of radiation emitted by the gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manual lamp, especially for optical crack testing according to the magnetic powder testing and dye penetration method. Said manual lamp comprises at least one LED having an emission wavelength located in the UVA range as an illuminating means.

Abstract: A system for locating a malfunctioning bulb in a decorative light string uses an antenna that produces an output signal corresponding to the strength of the electric field produced by a portion of the light string near the antenna. An amplifier is coupled to the antenna to receive the antenna output signal and produce an amplified output signal representing the strength of the electric field. The amplifier includes a negative feedback circuit to improve the stability of the amplifier. A detector receives the amplifier output signal and activates an alarm device when the amplifier output signal is above or below a predetermined threshold representing a known operational condition of the light string.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for identifying the presence of leaks in a fluorescent bulb or other lamp suitable for use as a backlight in an avionics or other liquid crystal display (LCD). The lamp is first placed in a bath of helium or another vaporous substance having relatively small molecular size. The vaporous material is allowed to permeate through any leaks that may exist in the lamp and to thereby intermix with the light-producing vaporous material contained within the channel of the lamp. The lamp is removed from the bath and subsequently operated (e.g. at a low intensity), and the output electrical or optical characteristics of the lamp under test are obtained. If the output characteristics of the lamp under test substantially correspond to characteristics obtained from a lamp that is known to be in proper working order, then the absence of leaks in the lamp under test can be presumed.

Abstract: Projector bulb life is managed to achieve desired performance parameters, such as a maximum life mode or maximum brightness mode, by sensing bulb luminance and applied the sensed luminance with a luminance feedback controller to drive the bulb to achieve the desired performance parameter. For instance, in maximum life mode the luminance feedback controller reduces power applied to the bulb to restrict bulb luminance to a maximum luminance setpoint when greater luminance is available with a newer bulb. In maximum brightness mode, the luminance feedback controller increases power applied to the bulb to increase bulb luminance if the sensor senses luminance below a threshold due bulb wear. Bulb life management improves project image illumination to display information in a variety of projector types, including digital mirror devices and liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: A system for automated testing of the lamp filaments has an ohm meter. The ohm meter is used to determine the resistance of the lamp filament prior to energizing the lamp. A multiplexer switches the ohm meter from one lamp filament to the next so that the lamp filaments are quickly and accurately tested. After the cold resistance of the lamp filaments is measured, a power supply energizes the lamp filaments.

Abstract: A repair device for fixing a malfunctioning shunt across a failed filament in a light bulb in a group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs includes a high-voltage pulse generator producing one or more pulses of a magnitude greater than the standard AC power line voltage. A connector receives the pulses from the pulse generator and supplies them to the group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs. The pulse generator may be a piezoelectric pulse generator, a battery-powered electronic pulse generator, and/or an AC-powered electrical pulse generator.

Abstract: A test system employing a plurality of disconnect devices is provided. Each load, such as a lamp, has a local disconnect device which temporarily disconnects the load in order to protect it from high voltage during the test.

Abstract: Projector bulb life is managed to achieve desired performance parameters, such as a maximum life mode or maximum brightness mode, by sensing bulb luminance and applied the sensed luminance with a luminance feedback controller to drive the bulb to achieve the desired performance parameter. For instance, in maximum life mode the luminance feedback controller reduces power applied to the bulb to restrict bulb luminance to a maximum luminance setpoint when greater luminance is available with a newer bulb. In maximum brightness mode, the luminance feedback controller increases power applied to the bulb to increase bulb luminance if the sensor senses luminance below a threshold due bulb wear. Bulb life management improves project image illumination to display information in a variety of projector types, including digital mirror devices and liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: A repair device for fixing a malfunctioning shunt across a failed filament in a light bulb in a group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs includes a high-voltage pulse generator producing one or more pulses of a magnitude greater than the standard AC power line voltage. A connector receives the pulses from the pulse generator and supplies them to the group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs. The pulse generator may be a piezoelectric pulse generator, a battery-powered electronic pulse generator, and/or an AC-powered electrical pulse generator.

Abstract: A monitoring and testing apparatus for quick-connection to a fluorescent lamp assembly includes a test circuit positioned in a casing and having wire receiving clips for quick receipt and release of wires from a ballast and lamp, whereby to electrically connect the ballast and lamp. The test circuit obtains voltage data from the ballast and lamp for evaluation indicative of operability. If either voltage data is out of a predictable range, an appropriate fault is stored in memory. When a diagnostic button is depressed by a user, the test circuit evaluates the state of the memory and energizes an appropriate LED to indicate if the ballast or lamp is inoperable. The quick-connect assembly enables a novice to correctly and quickly connect a ballast or lamps to the test apparatus and to diagnose an inoperable lamp assembly.