Image-Based Glare Sensor for Motorized Shade 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 conditions, often relying on estimated daylight glare based on time, location, and sensor data.
Innovation Solution
A sensor and system controller process images to determine the position of a glare source, controlling motorized window treatments to prevent glare. This involves calculating luminance values, comparing them to glare thresholds, and adjusting shade positions based on profile angles and cumulative illuminance values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If load control systems use estimated daylight glare based on time, location, and sensor data, then glare prevention can be achieved, but the system complexity and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical estimation systems with a simplified optical sensor that directly detects glare conditions through image capture and luminance analysis. Instead of using sophisticated controllers that estimate glare based on time, location, and multiple sensor data, the invention uses a straightforward optical detection approach where the sensor captures images and processes luminance values to identify glare sources, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image capture to create a visual copy of the glare environment, allowing the system to analyze luminance distribution and identify glare sources through pixel processing. This copying approach simplifies the detection mechanism by converting complex optical measurements into manageable image data that can be processed through straightforward luminance comparison algorithms.
2Reliability
If advanced system controllers are used to control motorized window treatments, then glare prevention effectiveness improves, but the ease of operation and configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service detection system where the sensor automatically captures images, processes luminance values, identifies glare sources, and triggers appropriate responses without requiring complex configuration or advanced controller intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously performing detection and control decisions based on straightforward luminance threshold comparisons, eliminating the need for sophisticated setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex controllers to infer glare conditions from multiple parameters, the patent inverts the approach by using simple optical sensors to directly detect glare through image luminance analysis. This inversion simplifies the control architecture by placing the detection function at the sensor level with straightforward processing logic, rather than relying on complex centralized control algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If image processing is used to determine glare source position, then detection precision improves, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential luminance information from captured images by processing pixel data to identify high-luminance regions that indicate glare sources. Instead of performing comprehensive image analysis, the system selectively extracts luminance values from pixels and compares them against thresholds to quickly identify glare conditions, thereby achieving accurate detection with minimal processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by processing only the necessary pixel data required for glare detection rather than analyzing the entire image comprehensively. The system focuses computational resources on identifying high-luminance pixels that indicate glare sources, performing sufficient processing to achieve detection accuracy without the computational burden of complete image analysis.
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 efficiently and accurately controls motorized window treatments to prevent glare, improving occupant comfort and reducing the need for complex system configurations and advanced controllers.
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.
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.