Visible Light Sensing Circuit for Occupancy and Daylight Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems face inefficiencies due to the use of multiple sensors that communicate over the same wireless network, leading to congestion and inaccurate control of electrical loads, particularly in detecting glare, daylight, and occupancy/vacancy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A load control system incorporating a visible light sensor with a visible light sensing circuit that records images and applies masks to focus on specific regions of interest, operating in modes such as sunlight glare, daylighting, and occupancy/vacancy to accurately detect environmental characteristics and control electrical loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors communicate over the same wireless network, then the system can gather comprehensive environmental data, but network congestion occurs reducing communication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network communications by implementing a master controller that coordinates sensor data collection and processing. Instead of all sensors communicating simultaneously on the same network, the master controller manages the communication sequence, dividing the network traffic into organized data collection cycles that prevent congestion while maintaining comprehensive environmental monitoring capability.
2Extent of automation
If prediction algorithms are used to reduce glare, then the system attempts to control glare automatically, but the control becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the visible light sensor continuously monitors actual glare conditions and provides real-time data to the master controller. The controller adjusts window treatment positions based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that reliably responds to actual environmental conditions rather than relying on unreliable prediction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based prediction algorithm with a direct optical sensing mechanism. The visible light sensor physically detects glare conditions through optical measurement, substituting the indirect and unreliable computational approach with a direct physical measurement system that provides accurate, real-time glare detection.
3Measurement precision
If daylight sensors and color temperature sensors are used, then the system can detect light intensity and color, but accuracy depends on sensor location which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional visible light sensor that combines both daylight sensing and color temperature detection capabilities in a single device. This universal sensor can accurately measure both light intensity and color characteristics while being positioned optimally for overall environmental monitoring, eliminating the location-dependent accuracy issues that arise when multiple separate sensors are used.
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 visible light sensor enhances the accuracy and efficiency of load control by reducing network congestion and improving the reliability of glare, daylight, and occupancy/vacancy detection, thereby optimizing the control of electrical loads.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor (180) having a visible light sensing circuit (320)
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.