Solar Mask Estimation From One Photo for Drive Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining a solar mask for solar protection installations using motorized drive devices are inadequate, as they rely on limited camera angles, leading to inaccurate assessments of solar radiation input, resulting in either overly pessimistic or optimistic compatibility checks for motorized drive devices.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a mobile terminal with a controller, camera, and orientation detection device to extend the photographic view by projecting and superimposing data onto a solar path diagram, allowing for a more realistic estimation of solar energy inputs and compatibility verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only one photograph is taken using the mobile terminal's camera to determine the solar mask, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the field angles of the camera are limited leading to inaccurate determination of solar radiation input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the two-dimensional photograph data into three-dimensional spatial information by processing the image to represent the environment beyond the camera's field of view. This dimensional transformation allows accurate solar mask determination without requiring physical movement of the camera to multiple positions, thus maintaining measurement simplicity while improving accuracy.
2Reliability
If the pessimistic hypothesis is used to determine solar radiation, then obstacles outside the photograph frame are considered blocking sunlight, but this leads to overly severe assessments and negative compatibility test results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that analyzes the photograph data to distinguish between actual obstacles and empty space beyond the camera's field of view. This intermediary analysis provides a more realistic assessment of solar radiation blocking, avoiding both the overly pessimistic hypothesis and the overly optimistic hypothesis, thereby improving the reliability of compatibility assessments.
3Reliability
If the optimistic hypothesis is used to determine solar radiation, then everything outside the photograph frame is considered visible sky, but this leads to insufficient assessments and positive compatibility test results even when obstacles exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary data processing mechanism that objectively analyzes the photograph to determine what is actually visible beyond the camera's field of view. This intermediary analysis prevents both overestimation and underestimation of solar radiation blocking, providing a reliable compatibility assessment that accurately reflects the installation environment.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for determining a solar mask for a facility that comprises a step (E10) of positioning a mobile terminal at a predetermined location of a photovoltaic panel. Following the step (E10), the method comprises a step (E20) of taking a single photograph with a camera of the mobile terminal and a step (E30) of determining an orientation of the camera, during the step (E20), by means of an orientation detection device and a controller of the mobile terminal. The method further comprises a step (E40) of extending at least one contour of the photograph, in at least one direction, and a step (E60) of superimposing data from the extended photograph with a sun path diagram, in a common reference frame, so as to determine the solar mask.