Visible Light Sensing Circuit for Occupancy-Based Load 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 from sensors like glare, daylight, and occupancy/vacancy sensors, leading to unreliable load control.
Innovation Solution
A load control system incorporating a visible light sensor with a visible light sensing circuit and control circuit to detect occupancy and/or vacancy conditions, operating in modes like sunlight glare, daylighting, and color temperature, and using masks to focus on specific regions of interest for accurate environmental characteristic measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices (sensors) are used to control different loads, then the load control system can provide comprehensive environmental control, but network congestion occurs due to the number of devices communicating simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making a single visible light sensor perform multiple functions: detecting occupancy/vacancy conditions, measuring sunlight glare, assessing daylighting levels, and determining color temperature. This multi-functional sensor replaces multiple specialized sensors, reducing the number of devices on the wireless network while maintaining comprehensive environmental control capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If traditional occupancy sensors are used, then the system can detect occupancy, but the detection is unreliable when users are stationary or moving minimally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/motion-based occupancy sensors with a visible light sensor that uses optical detection. Instead of relying on motion detection mechanisms that fail when users are stationary, the system uses visible light sensing to detect changes in light patterns caused by human presence, providing more reliable occupancy detection regardless of user movement level.
3Extent of automation
If prediction algorithms are used to reduce glare, then the system attempts to eliminate glare automatically, but the results are unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the visible light sensor to continuously measure actual glare conditions and using this real-time data to control glare-reducing loads. Instead of relying on unreliable prediction algorithms that estimate glare without direct measurement, the system directly senses light conditions and adjusts controls based on actual measured values, creating a closed-loop feedback system for reliable glare management.
4Measurement precision
If daylight sensors and color temperature sensors are used, then the system can measure light characteristics, but the accuracy depends on sensor location which may not reflect actual user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by using a visible light sensor that captures spatial and spectral information in a comprehensive manner. The sensor measures light characteristics across different dimensions (intensity, color temperature, glare angles) and processes this multi-dimensional data to accurately represent the user experience, overcoming the limitation of single-point measurements that may not correlate with what users actually perceive.
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
Enhances the accuracy of load control by providing precise occupancy and vacancy detection, reducing network congestion, and improving the reliability of environmental characteristic measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor with a visible light sensing circuit and control circuit to detect occupancy and/or vacancy conditions
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.