Patent ID: 8502167

Claim:
A method for increasing the lifetime of an optical sensor that, when active, is configured to obtain data regarding the presence or concentration of a substance within an area, wherein the optical sensor includes (i) indicator molecules having an optical characteristic that is affected by the presence of the substance and (ii) a radiant source, the method comprising: (a) utilizing the optical sensor configured so that the duty cycle of the radiant source is greater than 0% but less than 100% during the period of time when the optical sensor is active; (b) positioning the optical sensor at a location within the area; (c) activating the optical sensor for a period of Z amount of time after performing step (b), wherein Z is greater than 0; (d) operating the radiant source so that the duty cycle of the radiant source is greater than 0% but less than 100% during said Z amount of time when the optical sensor is active; (e) de-activating the optical sensor after said Z amount of time has elapsed; and (f) after a period of time has elapsed after performing step (e), activating the optical sensor for a period of Z amount of time and repeating steps (d) and (e).