Multispectral daylight sensor to enable energy savings and well-being of occupants | Available Intellectual Property | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Multispectral daylight sensor to enable energy savings and well-being of occupants

RPI ID: 2016-061-401

Innovation Summary:
This invention introduces a novel method and sensor system for accurately determining the spectral composition of light at a specific target location. The system uses a multi-channel sensor assembly to capture light data and a computational model to analyze the spectral power distribution (SPD) of the light source. Unlike conventional light meters that provide only intensity or color temperature, this system delivers detailed spectral information, enabling precise assessment of lighting conditions in real-world environments.

Challenges / Opportunities:
Accurate measurement of light composition is essential in applications such as human-centric lighting, horticulture, museum conservation, and quality control. Traditional tools often lack the resolution or contextual awareness to provide actionable data. This invention addresses these limitations by offering a portable, intelligent, and high-resolution sensing solution that can be integrated into smart lighting systems or used as a standalone diagnostic tool.

Key Benefits / Advantages:
✔ Provides detailed spectral power distribution at the point of interest
✔ Enables real-time, in-situ light quality assessment
✔ Supports optimization of lighting for health, productivity, and visual comfort
✔ Compact and integrable into lighting control systems

Applications:
• Smart lighting and building automation
• Human-centric and circadian lighting design
• Horticultural lighting optimization
• Lighting quality assurance in museums, galleries, and retail

Keywords:
#lightcomposition #spectralsensing #smartlighting #humancentriclighting #lightingquality

Intellectual Property:
US Issued Patent 10,969,272 B2
Patent Information:
Inventors:
Yiting Zhu
Jean Paul Freyssinier
Yi-wei Liu
Dinusha Thotagamuwa
Nadarajah Narendran
Keywords:
Circadian
Daylight
LED
Sensors
For Information, Contact:
Natasha Sanford
Licensing Associate
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
sanfon@rpi.edu