Visible Light Sensing Circuit for Occupancy and Glare 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 sensors, daylight sensors, color temperature sensors, and occupancy/vacancy sensors, which struggle to accurately detect environmental conditions and user presence.
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, measure light levels, and operate in different modes to adjust environmental characteristics, including sunlight glare, daylighting, and color temperature modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices (glare sensors, daylight sensors, color temperature sensors, occupancy sensors) are used to control loads, then the system can monitor various environmental conditions, but network congestion occurs due to the number of devices communicating simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (glare detection, daylight sensing, color temperature sensing, and occupancy detection) into a single integrated visible light sensor device. This merging reduces the number of separate communication devices on the network, thereby decreasing network congestion while maintaining comprehensive environmental monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The visible light sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting occupancy/vacancy conditions, measuring light levels, and operating in different modes (sunlight glare mode, daylighting mode, color temperature mode). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors, reducing network device count while preserving adaptability.
2Extent of automation
If prediction algorithms are used to reduce glare based on sensor input, then automated control is achieved, but the accuracy of glare reduction is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the visible light sensor's direct measurements of glare conditions to automatically adjust loads. The sensor provides real-time data about actual glare levels, and the system responds by controlling window treatments or lighting to eliminate glare, creating a closed-loop feedback system that improves accuracy over prediction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces prediction algorithms with direct optical measurement using the visible light sensor. Instead of predicting glare conditions based on indirect data, the sensor directly detects visible light characteristics, providing more accurate real-time information for automated control decisions.
3Ease of operation
If daylight sensors and color temperature sensors rely on sensor location accuracy, then simple sensor placement is possible, but detection accuracy of light intensity and color affecting users is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image recording technology to add a spatial dimension to sensor measurements. By capturing images and analyzing pixel data across the field of view, the system can determine which specific areas are affecting users, compensating for the sensor's fixed location and improving detection accuracy without requiring precise sensor placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing as an intermediary between the sensor's physical location and the measurement of light effects on users. The image analysis acts as a mediator that translates the sensor's fixed-position data into accurate information about variable light conditions across different user locations.
4Use of energy by moving object
If passive infrared occupancy sensors are used to detect user presence, then energy consumption is low, but occupancy detection fails when users are stationary or not moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges passive infrared occupancy detection with visible light-based occupancy detection in a single device. The low-power PIR sensor provides baseline occupancy detection, while the visible light sensor with image recording capability provides complementary detection that works when users are stationary, combining the energy efficiency of PIR with the reliability of visual detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The visible light sensor acts as an intermediary that complements the PIR sensor's limitations. When the PIR sensor fails to detect stationary users, the visible light sensor's image analysis provides the missing occupancy information, creating a redundant detection system that maintains reliability without significantly increasing power consumption.
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 environmental conditions by reducing network congestion and improving the accuracy of data collection, enabling better management of lighting and energy usage through precise detection of occupancy and light levels.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor with a visible light sensing circuit and control circuit that records images of a 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.