Visible Light Sensor Glare Detection for Adaptive Shade Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems for managing motorized window treatments to prevent glare conditions are complex to configure and require advanced system controllers, relying on estimated sun positions and daylight conditions, which can be inefficient in dynamic lighting environments.
Innovation Solution
A visible light sensor processes images to determine the position of glare sources and control motorized window treatments by comparing pixel luminance to a glare condition threshold, adjusting the shade levels based on image resolution and pixel grouping, and using timers for optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art load control systems use fixed glare detection thresholds and estimated sun positions, then the system can operate automatically, but the system cannot effectively handle varying light conditions on cloudy or extremely bright days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the glare detection threshold adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adapts the threshold based on image resolution and lighting conditions, allowing it to effectively handle varying light conditions on cloudy or extremely bright days while maintaining reliable glare detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of glare detection threshold from a fixed value to an adjustable value that can be modified based on image resolution and actual lighting conditions. This allows the system to adapt to different environmental conditions (cloudy days, extremely bright days) while maintaining accurate glare detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If prior art systems use complicated configuration procedures and advanced system controllers, then the system can accurately detect glare conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically adjust the glare detection threshold based on the captured image resolution and lighting conditions without requiring complex manual configuration. The system serves itself by adapting to different conditions, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the controller universal by designing it to handle multiple scenarios (different image resolutions, various lighting conditions) with a single adjustable threshold parameter. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate configuration procedures for different conditions while maintaining accurate glare detection across all scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor processes all pixels in high-resolution images, then the glare detection accuracy improves, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by processing only the necessary portion of image data at full resolution. The system captures high-resolution images for accurate glare detection but processes data selectively, adjusting threshold based on resolution without requiring exhaustive processing of all pixels, thus reducing processing time while maintaining detection accuracy.
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
This approach allows for precise and adaptive control of motorized window treatments to prevent glare, improving occupant comfort and reducing the complexity of system configuration by directly addressing glare conditions in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor (e.g., a visible light sensor) and/or a system controller may process an image to determine the position of a glare source and control motorized window treatments to prevent the glare source from affecting an occupant of a room. The sensor and/or system controller may process the pixels of the image to determine whether a glare condition exists. The sensor and/or system controller may compare the luminance of the pixels in the image to a glare condition threshold to determine whether a glare condition exists.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor and/or system controller may process an image multiple times at multiple resolutions to detect glare conditions. A glare condition threshold used to determine whether a glare condition exists may be based on the resolution of the image. When the resolution of the image is higher, the glare condition threshold may be higher. The sensor and/or system controller may organize one or more adjacent pixels having similar intensities into pixel groups. The pixel groups may vary in size and/or shape. The sensor and/or system controller may determine a representative group luminance for the pixel group (e.g., an average luminance of the pixels in the group). The sensor and/or system controller may determine a group glare condition threshold, which may be used to determine whether a glare condition exists for the group of pixels and/or may be based on the size of the group.