Shading device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shading systems struggle to optimize daylight utilization and occupant visual comfort due to reliance on indoor sensors, installation complexity, and privacy concerns, while failing to dynamically adjust to external lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated facade shading device with an imaging system that captures external lighting conditions, simulating indoor illuminance and glare risk to adjust shading elements like Venetian blinds or electrochromic glazing for optimal lighting and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional shading systems use indoor sensors to control shading position, then the control can be automated, but the installation complexity increases due to wiring requirements and the system cannot accurately evaluate glare risk for individual occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the workspace and creates a digital model that copies the physical lighting conditions. This allows the system to analyze glare risk and illuminance levels without physical sensors inside the room, eliminating wiring while maintaining automated control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based detection system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using physical sensors that require wiring to detect light levels, the system uses a camera to capture images and computationally analyze lighting conditions, substituting mechanical detection with optical capture and digital processing
2Loss of information
If cameras are installed inside buildings for shading control, then real-time lighting conditions can be monitored, but privacy issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing the camera externally on the building facade rather than inside the workspace. The camera is positioned to capture only the sky and surrounding environment visible from the window, not the occupants or activities inside, thus obtaining lighting information while preserving privacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the building facade and window as an intermediary between the camera and the workspace. The camera captures images from outside the building, using the window and facade as a natural barrier that allows light information to be obtained while preventing direct observation of occupants inside
3Area of stationary object
If ceiling sensors are used to measure illuminance, then the sensing area is limited, but the system cannot determine optimal shading position for individual workspaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional ceiling-mounted sensor measurement to three-dimensional external imaging. By positioning the camera outside the building and capturing images of the sky and surroundings, the system gains a new dimensional perspective that enables precise calculation of lighting conditions for specific workspace orientations and positions
4Adaptability or versatility
If decentralized automated blinds are controlled by indoor sensors, then each room can be controlled independently, but oscillation problems occur and sensor placement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the workspace lighting environment through external imaging and computational modeling. This virtual model allows the system to simulate and analyze lighting conditions for different shading positions without physical sensors in the room, eliminating oscillation issues and placement difficulties while maintaining individual room control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computational analysis of lighting conditions and glare risk before actuating the shading system. By pre-calculating optimal shading positions based on captured images and workspace models, the system avoids oscillation that occurs with reactive sensor-based control
Data Source
AI summary
A shading device is configured to be integrated into a façade of a building. The shading device includes an imaging system configured to create images of an outside view of the building.