Controlling lighting loads to achieve a desired lighting pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems are inefficient due to inaccurate data collection from multiple input devices, such as occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, and color temperature sensors, leading to unreliable control of electrical loads in user environments.
Innovation Solution
A load control system equipped with 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 and apply control strategies based on environmental characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices (occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, color temperature sensors) are used to control lighting loads, then the system can gather environmental data, but the data collection becomes inaccurate and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core function of environmental sensing from multiple separate input devices and consolidates it into a single visible light sensor that captures images. This image-based approach eliminates the inaccuracies of traditional sensors by directly measuring light properties rather than inferring them from indirect signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and electronic sensing mechanisms (PIR sensors, photodiodes, color temperature sensors) with an optical imaging system. The visible light sensor uses camera technology to capture light information, substituting indirect electrical sensing with direct optical measurement.
2Ease of operation
If occupancy sensors use passive infra-red technology to detect heat movement, then they can sense occupancy, but they fail to detect stationary users or distinguish heat sources accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive infra-red heat-based detection with active visible light imaging. The camera directly captures optical information about occupants, enabling accurate detection of stationary users and proper distinction between human figures and other heat sources through visual rather than thermal sensing.
3Measurement precision
If daylight sensors and color temperature sensors rely on sensor location accuracy, then they can measure light intensity, but the measurements become unreliable when sensor positioning is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts light measurement capability from location-dependent sensors and embeds it within an imaging system. The visible light sensor captures spatial and intensity information simultaneously through image processing, eliminating the need for precise sensor positioning while maintaining measurement accuracy.
4Extent of automation
If prediction algorithms are used to reduce glare based on sensor input, then the system attempts to control glare, but the control becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements direct feedback from the visible light sensor to the control system. By continuously capturing images and analyzing light distribution, the system receives real-time feedback about actual glare conditions, enabling reliable automated control adjustments based on measured rather than predicted conditions.
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 accurate control of lighting levels and color temperature, improving the comfort and energy efficiency of user environments by accurately detecting occupancy and light conditions, reducing glare, and maintaining optimal lighting settings.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor configured to record an image of a space
Implementation Method 2
measure a light level in the space in response to the visible light sensing circuit
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.