Light sensors in IoT: definition and applications

Light sensors applications in IoT

We have been talking about IoT sensors and their applications in different markets. If you are passionate about IoT products, and you want to develop or know more about sensors, this is the right place for you, we will cover here light sensors in IoT.

What are light sensors?

With the increasing growth of IoT devices in daily life, people are more used to interaction with new technologies, that is the case of light sensors. These types of sensors are photodetectors, that is, they have the capability to detect light.

In other words, light sensors are used to detect changes in the light in a specific place, or around objects, and then, they turn this light energy into an electrical signal.

Light sensor example
Source: Flickr – Adafruit VEML7700 Lux Sensor – I2C Light Sensor

Applications of light sensors

If you know the IoT concept, you must recognize that the internet of things is very popular nowadays, and almost every device brings different sensors that fulfill different tasks.

In this case, we want to mention some applications of light sensors in different areas, such as consumer electronics, security systems, agriculture, and mobility.

Light sensors in consumer electronics

Light sensors in consumer electronics
Light sensors in consumer electronics

This is perhaps the most common use for light sensors. You can find them in smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, among others.

Have you ever tried to read or use your smartphone in the darkness? Well, you probably haven’t noticed the light sensors are in charge of activating auto-brightness to prevent your eyes from being hurt with an intense light from the screen.

The same happens when you go outside, and the sunlight is intense, your cellphone will immediately adjust the brightness of the screen to help you identify the information you are watching on the phone.

Many smart TVs also bring the auto-brightness feature thanks to light sensors. They automatically adjust the brightness when the room is too dark, or when the ambient light is excessive, to help the viewer enjoy the image on the TV; these features are useful for home energy management.

Light sensors in Mobility

Light sensors are used in cars
Light sensors are used in cars

Light sensors are crucial in the case of mobility, or cars. For instance, the car uses IoT light sensors that switch the lights on and off based on the brightness outside the vehicle. This is crucial for drivers that are concentrated on the road, and maybe forget to turn on the lights when it gets darker, this way, the automatic lights avoid accidents on the way.

Light sensors in cars can also be useful in the case the vehicle is in a basement or a parking lot with low light or few light bulbs, this way, the IoT light sensors can collect the data from the environment and turn on the lights of the car.

IoT light sensors and security systems

IoT light sensor application in security
IoT light sensor application in security

There are many examples of light sensors being used in this area, and they work along with motion sensors. Light sensors are useful in several aspects: they help to save energy costs. There is less light pollution. Potential threats or robberies can be identified thanks to these types of sensors.

Many buildings and companies install these sensors in bathrooms, in the surroundings of the building, and inside offices. Thanks to the IoT, light sensors and motion sensors make a perfect combination to identify sudden changes in the environment, and activate or deactivate the light when necessary. The good thing is, these devices have the capability to trigger an alert to the security staff.

Agriculture and light sensors

IoT light sensors applications in agriculture
IoT light sensors applied in agriculture

Crops are not only benefiting from humidity sensors, light sensors can also be used here to monitor the sunlight or ambient light. Why? Because depending on the intensity of the light, if the day is just starting, the light sensors can automatically trigger the sprinklers to water the plants. This way, there can be an optimal watering of the crops, and the plants will grow with the proper conditions.

Human intervention isn’t necessary for watering the plants thanks to the installation of IoT light sensors.

Did you like this article regarding applications of light sensors? We hope this information will inspire you to add these types of sensors to your IoT device or project. If you have any questions, or need hardware development service, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. We can provide you with a free consultation regarding your requirements by clicking below, just choose the day and time that best adjusts to your time zone.

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