Self-adjusting Sensor for Daylight Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing daylight-dependent light control systems face challenges in accurate measurement due to strict installation requirements and sensitivity to disturbance sources, making it difficult to integrate seamlessly into existing systems and provide reliable illumination control.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit utilizing an image sensor and controller to capture digital image information, allowing for the evaluation of image regions influenced by daylight and generating a brightness signal that prioritizes daylight-relevant information, enabling flexible installation and effective suppression of disturbance sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a classical light sensor is used with strict installation instructions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to precise positioning requirements and disturbance source restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor's field of view into multiple spatial zones (central zone, intermediate zones, outer zones) and assigns different weighting factors to each zone. This segmentation allows the sensor to selectively emphasize daylight-relevant regions while de-emphasizing disturbance sources, thereby maintaining measurement precision without strict installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor's detection field are assigned different quality characteristics through weighting factors. The central zone receives higher weights for daylight measurement, while regions prone to disturbances (like reflections or artificial lights) receive lower weights. This local differentiation enables accurate daylight sensing regardless of installation position.
2Ease of operation
If the light sensor is installed in easily accessible locations, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to presence of disturbance sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the weighting parameters assigned to different spatial zones based on detected disturbance patterns. When disturbance sources are detected in certain zones, the system automatically reduces their weighting factors, thereby maintaining measurement precision even when the sensor is installed in easily accessible locations that may include disturbance sources.
3Measurement precision
If disturbance sources are filtered out using complex algorithms, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex algorithms to filter disturbances, the patent segments the detection field into weighted zones where disturbance-prone regions are pre-assigned lower weights. This spatial segmentation approach simplifies the processing by reducing the computational burden of disturbance filtering while maintaining signal accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial filtering by selectively weighting certain zones rather than attempting to filter all disturbances equally. This partial action approach focuses computational resources on the most critical daylight-relevant zones while tolerating minor disturbances in less important regions, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an image sensor with multiple image regions is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases compared to classical light sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single image sensor to perform multiple functions: capturing the entire field of view, identifying disturbance sources, and generating weighted brightness values for daylight control. This multi-functionality approach maintains adaptability while managing device complexity by consolidating capabilities into one sensor rather than requiring multiple specialized sensors.
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 solution provides a reliable and flexible means to measure daylight, simplifying installation and ensuring accurate illumination control, while maintaining compatibility with existing systems by outputting a single brightness signal comparable to classical light sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor for capturing digital image information
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor unit for ascertaining control data for use in a daylight-dependent light-controlling device having an image sensor for acquiring digital image data as well as a controller for analyzing the image data and creating a brightness signal representing the daylight. The controller is designed such that when creating the brightness signal, same gives more weight to those image regions of the image data acquired by the image sensor which are more greatly influenced by the daylight.