Glare Sensor Image Processing for Motorized Window Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems require complex configuration and advanced system controllers to effectively control motorized window treatments and prevent glare, often relying on estimated daylight conditions rather than real-time image processing.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a visible light sensor and a system controller that processes images to determine the position of a glare source and control motorized window treatments accordingly, using techniques such as luminance comparison, image resolution adjustment, and pixel grouping to accurately detect glare conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time image processing is used to detect glare sources, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing task into discrete pixel-level operations. Each pixel is independently evaluated for luminance thresholds to determine glare conditions, allowing parallel processing and reducing computational complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent processes only the necessary portion of the image data required for glare detection. By focusing computational resources on luminance threshold comparisons for glare-relevant pixels rather than comprehensive image analysis, the system achieves accurate glare detection with reduced processing complexity.
2Device complexity
If simple sensor systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-sufficient glare detection by comparing pixel luminance values directly against predetermined thresholds. The system autonomously determines glare conditions without requiring complex external processing or advanced controller intervention, achieving accurate detection with simple architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic glare detection mechanisms with optical-based image sensor processing. By using visible light sensors to capture and analyze luminance data, the system achieves precise glare measurement through optical principles rather than complex mechanical systems.
3Reliability
If advanced system controllers are used for glare prevention, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring pixel luminance values and comparing them against thresholds to determine glare conditions. This real-time feedback mechanism reliably triggers glare prevention actions when thresholds are exceeded, ensuring effective glare control through simple conditional logic rather than complex control algorithms.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive image processing is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predetermined luminance thresholds before image processing begins. These pre-calculated thresholds enable rapid pixel-by-pixel comparison during runtime, allowing accurate glare source positioning without requiring complex real-time computational analysis, thus reducing processing time while maintaining precision.
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 effectively prevents glare by accurately determining glare sources through real-time image processing, allowing for precise control of motorized window treatments and improving occupant comfort without the need for complex configuration or advanced system controllers.
Implementation Method 1
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.