Patent ID: 8793088

Claim:
A HID light source classification system indicating predicted future performance of a HID light source comprising: a. a low classification level having a range; b. a high classification level having a range; c. a cutoff between said low and said high classification levels; wherein the range of the low classification, the range of the high classification, and the cutoff between said low and said high classification levels determined, at least in part, on: i. operating time of the HID light source wherein the operating time has a range comprising at least a time required for said HID light source to reach a normal operating temperature but not exceeding a seasoning time for said HID light source; ii. a characteristic of said HID light source measured by a testing apparatus at the end of the operating time; iii. a comparison between said measured characteristic and a reference value; and d. a visually or machine perceivable labeling or indicia on or associated with the HID light source correlated to one of the low and the high classification levels.