In a method for determining a control signal as a function of measured ambient light conditions for subsequent processing by at least one electrical component, in particular in order to control an imaging unit of an image output apparatus, the present light conditions are detected by means of a plurality of light sensors, measuring signals are output as a function of the intensity of the light conditions recorded by the light sensors, and the measuring signals of the individual light sensors are then combined into at least one control signal in accordance with at least one predefined ratio. The control signal is adjusted with consideration of the orientation of at least one of the light sensors and is then output.