Infrared Cloud Detector for Tintable Windows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for detecting cloud cover rely on expensive imaging devices that use visible light measurements, which are ineffective during low light conditions such as early morning and evening, leading to inaccurate cloud condition determinations and inappropriate control decisions for tintable windows.

Innovation Solution

An infrared cloud detector system that uses an infrared sensor to measure sky temperature and an ambient temperature sensor to determine cloud conditions, with logic to calculate a delta value and apply correction factors, allowing for accurate cloud detection independent of visible light intensity levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional visible light measurement devices are used to detect cloud cover, then measurement precision is improved under normal lighting conditions, but reliability deteriorates during low light conditions such as early morning and evening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecloud cover detection accuracyVSAvoidcloud condition determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visible light measurement devices with an infrared sensor system that detects thermal radiation from clouds. This substitution allows the system to operate effectively in low light conditions where visible light sensors fail, thereby maintaining both measurement precision and reliability across all lighting conditions including early morning and evening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from visible light intensity to infrared thermal radiation temperature. By measuring the temperature difference between the sky and ambient air using infrared sensors, the system can accurately detect cloud cover regardless of visible light levels, resolving the reliability issue during low light conditions while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If expensive imaging devices are used to map the sky for cloud detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecloud cover mapping accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential function of cloud detection from complex imaging devices by using a simple infrared sensor paired with an ambient temperature sensor. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive cameras and complex image processing systems while maintaining accurate cloud cover detection capability, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, complex imaging devices with inexpensive infrared sensors and temperature sensors. This substitution uses simpler, more affordable components that can be easily deployed and replaced if needed, significantly reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining adequate measurement precision for cloud cover detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If visible light-based cloud detection is used, then ease of manufacture is improved with simple devices, but measurement precision deteriorates during low light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection device simplicityVSAvoidcloud condition detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes visible light sensors with infrared sensors that detect thermal radiation. This substitution maintains the simplicity and ease of manufacture of sensor-based systems while dramatically improving measurement precision during low light conditions, as infrared sensors can detect cloud cover through thermal emission independent of visible light availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from visible light intensity to infrared temperature measurement. This parameter change allows the use of simple, easy-to-manufacture infrared sensors and temperature sensors to achieve high measurement precision in all lighting conditions, including early morning and evening when visible light is insufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 accurate cloud cover detection during low light conditions, preventing false cloudy determinations and enabling effective control of tintable windows by distinguishing between clear, cloudy, and intermittent conditions.

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

Implementation Method 2

an ambient temperature sensor configured to measure an ambient temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11566938B2Methods and systems for controlling tintable windows with cloud detection

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 VIEW OPERATING CORP

AI summary

Methods and systems for controlling tintable windows based on cloud detection.