This person invented a PIR system for a HID floodlight and calls Philips Lighting to have a look....they came and then showed some interest and then nothing...not profitable or not doable?
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-LmqLMewCI&feature=related

IMJ

I think the practical use of such system would be rather limited:
The occupancy sensors may be used with HID's only for wattage reduction control, as lamps do not like frequent switching. That mean, then at reduced wattage the lamp still emit quite lot of light (minimum allowed dimming level is generally 30% for HPS and 50% for MH), mostly sufficient for basic orientation.
Moreover the working distance of PIR sensors is too short for many HID applications, or the high wattage setting is not necessary if one only want to walk trough (when he want to do some light demanding job, the level is better switched to the full manually, as PIR tend to switch OFF when you do not move for awhile, so the light would annoyingly toggle).

And even the wattage reduction control does not work properly in such system, as the lamp need some time to reach back full brightness (as it is belowoptimum temperature on the dimmed level).

That could be it but they din't even say what was wrong with it...they could have at least emailed back or something I think they were being rude. Philips has made their 'products' in China to save cost, pretty much all of their lamps except the high tech ones like mini white son, mini MH..etc so I think they are just made up of $$$$ and (...) about saving energy. He would have gone through with the project with the government if he lived in Singapore...I remember years ago someone invented a device to be installed in conventional magnetic T8 fitting to save energy, that was before electronic ballast were cheap and he got the project and installed his device in public lighting in one housing estate, pity was a few years later electronic ballast got more widespread and cheaper so it fell out of favour I think.

First you have to remember, then all companies are established and funded at forst to generate moneyfor their owners (share holders). Doing technical advance is only one from many ways to make that happen.

And as second, in all big organizations the byrocracy grow into very very strong element. So very likely the idea never reached right people there.

The first mean, then all new items are judged at first by the "Return Of Investment" and in that view compared with other innovations and they are moved to real development from to to bottom, till they "fill" the capacity for near future. And here any idea comming from outside bear the risk (for Philips), then it is already patented (so they would have to pay expensive royalties). So it is very likely, then this fell below the rejection line.

And the byrocracy mean, then nobody has the responsibility to sent the rejection letter...
This is normal in all big companies and mostly happen even when applying for actual job position (if they find someone else better suitable) - most companies sent the letter only when you are accepted...