Infrared Cloud Detector Sky Temperature Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for detecting cloud cover, especially at times with low visible light intensity like early morning and evening, rely on expensive imaging devices and struggle to accurately distinguish between clear and cloudy conditions, leading to potential false determinations and inappropriate control decisions in systems like electrochromic windows.

Innovation Solution

Infrared cloud detector systems that utilize an infrared sensor to measure sky temperature and an ambient temperature sensor to determine cloud conditions, with logic that differentiates between clear, cloudy, and intermittent conditions based on temperature differences, and optionally incorporates a photosensor during daylight hours.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional visible light-based imaging devices are used to detect cloud cover, then cloud detection can be performed during daytime, but the system becomes expensive and inaccurate during low light conditions (early morning and evening)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecloud detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visible light-based optical imaging systems with an infrared sensing system that detects thermal radiation from clouds. The infrared sensor measures sky temperature in the infrared spectrum, which is independent of visible light intensity, thereby eliminating the need for expensive imaging devices while maintaining detection accuracy during all times of day including early morning and evening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light intensity to infrared thermal radiation temperature. By measuring sky temperature through infrared radiation rather than visible light intensity, the system achieves accurate cloud detection independent of ambient light conditions, resolving the accuracy problem during low light periods without requiring expensive equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If visible light intensity measurements are used to determine cloud conditions, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but it produces false determinations during low light intensity periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcloud condition determination reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes visible light intensity measurement with infrared thermal radiation measurement. The infrared sensor detects temperature differences caused by cloud cover, providing reliable cloud condition determination during all lighting conditions including early morning and evening when visible light methods fail and produce false readings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from measuring visible light intensity (one dimension of electromagnetic spectrum) to measuring infrared thermal radiation (another dimension of electromagnetic spectrum). This dimensional change allows the system to detect cloud cover through thermal properties rather than optical properties, eliminating false determinations during low light conditions while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If infrared sky temperature measurement is used to detect clouds, then accurate detection is achieved independent of visible light intensity, but the system requires additional sensors and complexity compared to simple photosensor systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecloud detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex visible light imaging systems with a simpler infrared sensing system. Although the infrared sensor adds a different type of component, it eliminates the need for expensive imaging devices, complex optical systems, and image processing hardware, resulting in overall reduced system complexity while achieving superior detection accuracy independent of lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Accurately detects cloud cover conditions independent of visible light intensity levels, reducing false determinations and enabling more precise control of systems like electrochromic windows, thereby improving operational efficiency and occupant comfort.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared sensor configured to measure sky temperature based on infrared radiation received within its field-of-view

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11674843B2Infrared cloud detector systems and methods

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 VIEW OPERATING CORP

AI summary

Infrared cloud detector systems and methods for detecting cloud cover conditions.