Know those fururistic movies where the guy walks into the bathroom and the lights flick on? Well we have that with ouside lights, and even lights that work off an external room sensor.

Why not build the sensor into the bulb? I have seen bulb sensors that are dusk-2-dawn sensors built in, but I want the indoor bulb that senses motion. Then you wouldn't have to wire a special sensor or switch. Would make the lights from LED's or CFB's.
-- azmatsci, Jan 13 2004

Motion Bulb socket http://www.smarthome.com/2512.html
Like this, but built into the bulb and cheaper [azmatsci, Oct 04 2004]

Dusk-Dawn Sensing Bulb http://www.screwfix...Q?ts=23040&id=18491
Like this, only with a motion sensor [azmatsci, Oct 04 2004]

Motionbulb http://motionbulb.com
I think this is what you're looking for... [kathynomoto, Jan 03 2008]

True, but while some of us are fine with electical work, others would have to pay to do it. But I have seen those IR switches.

But I see your point about the shades, this would work best in exposed bulbs like the bathroom or glass-covered celing lights. The glass will transmit the IR fairly well. Plus the sensors would only cost aboud a $1 to add to the final price; they are pretty cheap devices.
-- azmatsci, Jan 13 2004


All our lights at work come on when they sense motion in the room so as to save electricity.
-- hazel, Jan 13 2004


<nit picking> //All our lights at work come on when they sense motion in the room so as to save electricity.// Logic is the other way round: The lights turn off when there is no motion. The turning off saves the energy. </nit picking>

The cheapest sensor for this pupose may soon be an RFID transmitter. When a person with the right ID gets close the light turns on. - No, little Jimmy is not supposed to go into the basement alone, so lights stay off. - When dad is with Jimmy lights turn on.
-- kbecker, Jan 13 2004


Dammit [kbecker] you caught me out!!
-- hazel, Jan 14 2004


//The lights turn off when there is no motion.// I worked in an office where they had these. Infuriating, they were. Because we all sat programming at PCs, every so often the lights would go out because there wasn't enough movement. The sight of a few hairy beasts jumping off their seats and waving their hands in unison was enough to make your eyes weep.
-- PeterSilly, Jan 14 2004


PeterSilly:

A friend of mine invented a fix for this using the the paper cover (if that's what you call it) from a drinking straw. He taped it above the sensor. As long as there was positive air flow (i.e. heating or air conditioning), the paper would flutter and the cutoff wouldn't occur. After 6:00pm when the air was slowed down, the sensor would operate as expected.
-- theircompetitor, Jan 14 2004


//<nit picking> //All our lights at work come on when they sense motion in the room so as to save electricity.// Logic is the other way round: The lights turn off when there is no motion. The turning off saves the energy. </nit picking>//

<nit-nit picking> the lights are off until a motion is detected. "Saving Energy" is stupid; applying energy when needed is smart.
-- FlyingToaster, Jan 04 2008


// When a person with the right ID gets close the light turns on. - No, little Jimmy is not supposed to go into the basement alone, so lights stay off //

What if little Jimmy finds his way into the basement, but due to the lack of light can't find his way out. The neighbours hear his yelling and call the emergency services but they can't find their way around the house cos they lights don't recognise them.
-- Brett-Blob, Jan 04 2008



random, halfbakery