Visible Light Sensing Circuit for Occupancy Wake-Up and Glare Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems face inefficiencies due to multiple input devices causing network congestion, inaccurate data collection, and unreliable prediction algorithms, particularly in detecting glare, daylight, and occupancy/vacancy conditions, leading to inefficient load control.
Innovation Solution
A load control system incorporating a visible light sensor with a visible light sensing circuit and control circuit that operates in different modes to accurately detect occupancy, vacancy, glare, and daylight conditions by recording images and applying masks to specific regions of interest, enabling precise control of environmental characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices are used to detect various environmental conditions, then the system can gather more types of data, but network congestion increases due to multiple devices communicating simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (occupancy detection, daylight detection, glare detection, color temperature sensing) into a single integrated visible light sensor device. This consolidation reduces the number of separate devices communicating on the wireless network, thereby reducing network congestion while maintaining the ability to gather diverse environmental data.
Solution Approach 2:
The visible light sensor is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple detection tasks simultaneously or sequentially using different algorithms. The sensor can detect occupancy through motion analysis, measure daylight levels, identify glare conditions, and determine color temperature, all within a single device platform.
2Device complexity
If prediction algorithms are used to estimate glare conditions, then the system can operate without direct glare sensing, but the accuracy and reliability of glare detection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a visible light sensor to directly measure actual light conditions and provides feedback to the control system. This real-time measurement feedback replaces unreliable prediction algorithms with accurate sensed data, enabling precise detection of glare, daylight levels, and occupancy conditions based on actual environmental measurements rather than estimates.
3Ease of operation
If daylight sensors and color temperature sensors rely on location accuracy, then the system can use simple sensor placement, but the accuracy of light intensity detection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces location-dependent sensor placement requirements with image processing-based detection. The visible light sensor captures images of the environment and uses image analysis algorithms to determine occupancy, daylight levels, and glare conditions. This substitution of mechanical positioning requirements with computational analysis allows accurate measurement independent of precise sensor location.
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 enhances accuracy in detecting occupancy, vacancy, and environmental conditions, reducing network congestion and improving load control efficiency by providing reliable data for precise control of lighting, temperature, and natural light.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor with a visible light sensing circuit and control circuit... configured to record an image of the space
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for sensing environmental characteristics of a space 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.