Camera-Based Visible Light Sensor for Multi-Mode Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems are inefficient due to inaccurate data collection from multiple input devices, particularly glare sensors, daylight sensors, and occupancy/vacancy sensors, leading to unreliable control of electrical loads in user environments.
Innovation Solution
A load control system incorporating a visible light sensor that records images of a space to detect occupancy and vacancy conditions, measure light levels, and adjust lighting fixtures to achieve predefined light profiles across surfaces, using different modes and masks to focus on specific regions of interest for accurate environmental characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices (glare sensors, daylight sensors, occupancy sensors) are used to control lighting loads, then the system can respond to various environmental conditions, but the data collection becomes inaccurate and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (glare detection, daylight sensing, occupancy detection) into a single integrated camera-based visible light sensor. This unified sensor captures images that are processed to extract multiple environmental parameters simultaneously, eliminating the inaccuracies associated with multiple separate sensors while maintaining comprehensive environmental monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera-based sensor serves multiple functions: it detects glare conditions, measures daylight levels, identifies occupancy/vacancy status, and captures spatial lighting distribution. This multi-functional sensor replaces several specialized sensors, providing accurate data for all these functions through a single device that processes images to extract various environmental characteristics.
2Extent of automation
If prediction algorithms are used to reduce glare based on sensor input, then the system attempts to eliminate glare, but the control becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time image capture and processing to provide direct feedback on actual glare conditions. Instead of relying on prediction algorithms that estimate glare based on incomplete sensor data, the camera directly observes and measures glare conditions, enabling reliable automated control decisions based on actual observed conditions rather than predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces prediction-based control algorithms with direct optical measurement using a camera. Instead of mechanically or algorithmically predicting glare conditions from limited sensor inputs, the system uses optical imaging to directly detect and measure glare, providing more accurate and reliable automation control.
3Ease of operation
If occupancy sensors based on heat movement are used, then the system can detect occupancy, but it fails to detect stationary users or distinguishes heat sources incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heat-based occupancy sensors with a camera-based visible light sensor. The camera detects occupancy by analyzing visual information in images, such as presence of objects or people in the field of view, rather than relying on thermal detection. This substitution eliminates the problems of false detection from non-human heat sources and inability to detect stationary occupants, providing more accurate occupancy detection.
4Measurement precision
If daylight sensors and color temperature sensors are used, then the system can measure light intensity and color, but the accuracy depends on sensor location which may not reflect actual user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-based sensor measurements to area-based image analysis. Instead of measuring light intensity and color at a single sensor location, the camera captures images that represent the entire spatial distribution of lighting conditions. This dimensional shift from 0D point measurement to 2D area measurement provides comprehensive information about lighting across the environment, accurately reflecting actual user experience regardless of specific sensor placement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides more accurate control of lighting levels and occupancy/vacancy detection, improving the efficiency and reliability of load control by using image processing and algorithms to analyze environmental characteristics and adjust lighting fixtures accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor configured to record images of a space
Data Source
AI summary
A visible light sensor may be configured to sense environmental characteristics of a space using an image of the space. The visible light sensor may be controlled in one or more modes, including a daylight glare sensor mode, a daylighting sensor mode, a color sensor mode, and/or an occupancy/vacancy sensor mode. In the daylight glare sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to decrease or eliminate glare within a space. In the daylighting sensor mode and the color sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to provide a preferred amount of light and color temperature, respectively, within the space. In the occupancy/vacancy sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to detect an occupancy/vacancy condition within the space and adjust one or more control devices according to the occupation or vacancy of the space. The visible light sensor may be configured to protect the privacy of users within the space via software, a removable module, and/or a special sensor.