Visible Light Sensor Integration for Occupancy and Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems face inefficiencies due to the use of multiple input devices, leading to network congestion and inaccurate data collection, particularly with glare, daylight, and occupancy/vacancy sensors, which affect the reliability of controlling electrical loads in user environments.
Innovation Solution
A load control system incorporating a visible light sensor with a visible light sensing circuit and control circuit that records images of a space to detect occupancy and vacancy conditions, adjust environmental characteristics, and measure light levels, operating in various modes such as sunlight glare, daylighting, and color temperature modes, and using masks to focus on specific regions of interest for accurate data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices (sensors) are used to control electrical loads, then the system can gather more types of environmental data, but network congestion increases due to multiple devices communicating wirelessly over the same network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (occupancy detection, daylight sensing, glare detection, color temperature sensing) into a single integrated visible light sensor device. This merging reduces the number of wireless communication devices on the network from multiple separate sensors to one unified device, thereby reducing network congestion while maintaining the ability to gather comprehensive environmental data for load control decisions.
2Extent of automation
If prediction algorithms are used to reduce glare based on sensor input, then the system attempts to control glare automatically, but the control becomes unreliable due to algorithmic limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex prediction algorithms with direct optical measurement. Instead of using software-based prediction to estimate glare conditions, the visible light sensor directly measures actual light conditions including glare, daylight levels, and color temperature. This substitution of direct physical measurement for algorithmic prediction improves the reliability and accuracy of automatic glare control.
3Measurement precision
If daylight sensors and color temperature sensors rely on location accuracy for detection, then the system can determine light intensity effects, but accuracy is compromised when sensor location is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light sensor is designed to perform multiple functions (occupancy detection, daylight sensing, glare detection, color temperature sensing) from a single location. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors that would each require precise location accuracy, as the unified device can gather all necessary environmental data from its single installation position.
4Ease of operation
If passive infra-red occupancy sensors are used to detect user presence, then the system can sense heat movement, but detection fails when users are stationary or not moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from thermal movement (PIR) to visible light reflection analysis. The visible light sensor detects occupancy by analyzing changes in light reflection patterns, shadows, and luminance variations caused by the presence of users, regardless of whether they are moving or stationary. This parameter change from motion-based detection to presence-based optical detection improves reliability for stationary users.
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 electrical loads by reducing network congestion and improving the reliability of data collection, enabling precise detection of occupancy and light conditions, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of load management in user environments.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor with a visible light sensing circuit and control circuit that records images of a space
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor (180) for sensing environmental characteristics of a space (102) may include a visible light sensing circuit for recording an image of the space and a control circuit responsive to the visible light sensing circuit. The control circuit may detect an occupancy or vacancy condition in the space in response to the visible light sensing circuit, and measure a light level in the space in response to the visible light sensing circuit. The control circuit may also include a low-energy occupancy sensing circuit for detecting an occupancy condition in the space. The control circuit may disable the visible light sensing circuit when the space is vacant. The control circuit may detect an occupancy condition in the space in response to the low-energy occupancy sensing circuit and subsequently enable the visible light sensing circuit. The visible light sensor may be configured in a way that protects the privacy of the occupants of the space.